MLB Injury Update: Eflin, Kirk, Cleavinger, and Falter's Status

Pitchers and catchers face setbacks as the 2026 season begins

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:36pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes representing baseball players, equipment, and game action, conveying the disruption and uncertainty caused by these injuries.Injuries to key players across the league could have a significant impact on teams' playoff aspirations and divisional races.Kansas City Today

Several key MLB players are dealing with injuries that could impact their teams' seasons. Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin is facing an elbow issue, Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk suffered a thumb injury, and relievers Garrett Cleavinger and Bailey Falter are sidelined with calf and elbow problems, respectively. These injuries highlight the fragile nature of baseball rosters and the importance of depth for contending teams.

Why it matters

These injuries could have significant consequences for the affected teams. Eflin's absence could disrupt the Orioles' pitching rotation, while Kirk's injury leaves the Blue Jays short-handed behind the plate. The Rays and Royals also face bullpen challenges with the losses of Cleavinger and Falter. How teams respond to these setbacks could impact their playoff aspirations and divisional races.

The details

Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin exited his first start of the season early due to elbow discomfort, prompting the team to seek a second opinion from orthopedic surgeon Keith Meister. Eflin had recently signed a $10 million contract after a strong 2023-24 season. In Toronto, Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk left a game against the White Sox after being struck by a foul tip, and the team is awaiting x-ray results on his left thumb. Rays reliever Garrett Cleavinger is sidelined with a tight right calf, while Royals lefty Bailey Falter is dealing with elbow inflammation and has received an injection.

  • Eflin's elbow issue occurred during his first start of the 2026 season.
  • Kirk's thumb injury happened during a game against the White Sox on April 12, 2026.
  • Cleavinger's calf tightness has kept him out of action for the Rays.
  • Falter's elbow inflammation and injection occurred in the early stages of the 2026 season.

The players

Zach Eflin

Orioles pitcher who recently signed a $10 million contract after a strong 2023-24 season.

Alejandro Kirk

Blue Jays catcher who left a game against the White Sox with a left thumb injury.

Garrett Cleavinger

Rays reliever who is sidelined with a tight right calf.

Bailey Falter

Royals lefty reliever who is dealing with elbow inflammation and has received an injection.

Keith Meister

Orthopedic surgeon who the Orioles are seeking a second opinion from regarding Eflin's elbow issue.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These injuries highlight the fragile nature of baseball rosters and the potential for a single player's absence to disrupt a team's plans. It's a reminder of the importance of depth and the need for teams to have contingency plans in place.