Orioles' Zach Eflin undergoes season-ending elbow surgery

Veteran right-hander's injury marks an early rotation blow for Baltimore

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:19am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conveying the disruption caused by Eflin's injury to the Orioles' rotation.Eflin's season-ending injury forces the Orioles to rethink their pitching plans early in the year.Baltimore Today

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin has undergone season-ending Tommy John surgery after making just one start this season. The 32-year-old right-hander exited his March 31 outing against the Texas Rangers with right elbow discomfort and was placed on the 15-day injured list. An MRI and consultation with Dr. Keith Meister led to the decision for the procedure, ending Eflin's 2026 campaign before it truly began.

Why it matters

Eflin's injury is a significant early-season setback for the Orioles, who were counting on the veteran to be a key part of their starting rotation this year. The team had re-signed Eflin to a one-year, $10 million contract this offseason, hoping he could build on a 2025 season that was hindered by multiple IL stints and back surgery.

The details

Eflin threw just 3 2/3 innings in his lone start of the season on March 31 against the Rangers before leaving the game with elbow discomfort. He was placed on the 15-day IL and underwent further testing, including an MRI and consultation with Dr. Keith Meister, who ultimately performed the Tommy John surgery.

  • Eflin made his lone start of the 2026 season on March 31.
  • He was placed on the 15-day IL shortly after that start.

The players

Zach Eflin

A 32-year-old right-handed pitcher who has spent parts of three seasons with the Baltimore Orioles after being acquired in a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. He re-signed with the Orioles this offseason on a one-year, $10 million contract.

Craig Albernaz

The manager of the Baltimore Orioles, who expressed empathy for Eflin's injury situation.

Dr. Keith Meister

The orthopedic surgeon who performed Eflin's season-ending Tommy John surgery.

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What they’re saying

“I feel for Zach. The whole coaching staff, the whole team, you just feel for him. Heart hurts for him. You never want to see anything happen to any player, especially someone like Zach.”

— Craig Albernaz, Manager, Baltimore Orioles

What’s next

The Orioles will now need to find a replacement for Eflin in their starting rotation, with the team currently 6-6 and in second place in the American League East.

The takeaway

Eflin's season-ending injury is a tough break for the Orioles, who were counting on the veteran right-hander to be a key part of their starting rotation this year. The team will now have to adjust their plans and find a way to overcome this early setback as they look to compete in the AL East.