Orioles' Zach Eflin undergoes Tommy John surgery, out for season

32-year-old right-hander had procedure on pitching elbow, will miss remainder of 2026 campaign

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:55pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conveying the intricate physical demands of the sport and the challenges of recovering from a major elbow injury.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's throwing motion captures the complex physicality of the Tommy John surgery procedure.Philadelphia Today

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin will miss the rest of the 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow. The 32-year-old right-hander had the procedure performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas on Wednesday. Eflin made just one start this season before experiencing discomfort in his elbow and exiting the game.

Why it matters

Eflin was expected to be a key part of the Orioles' starting rotation this season after signing a one-year, $10 million contract in the offseason. His extended absence due to the Tommy John surgery is a significant blow to the team's pitching depth and playoff aspirations.

The details

Eflin allowed one run on four hits with seven strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings of a no-decision in his team's 8-5 loss to the Texas Rangers on March 31. His 74th pitch proved to be his last of the day, as he experienced discomfort in his elbow and exited the field with head athletic trainer Scott Barringer. Eflin was the Orioles' Opening Day starter in 2025 and had been solid to begin last season before sustaining a right lat strain in April. He was shut down in August to undergo a lumbar microdiscectomy procedure to address herniated discs in his lower back.

  • Eflin underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • Eflin made his only start of the 2026 season on March 31, 2026.

The players

Zach Eflin

A 32-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow.

Dr. Keith Meister

The surgeon who performed Eflin's Tommy John surgery in Dallas.

Scott Barringer

The head athletic trainer for the Baltimore Orioles who accompanied Eflin off the field when he experienced elbow discomfort.

Baltimore Orioles

The Major League Baseball team that Zach Eflin plays for, who will be without their Opening Day starter for the 2026 season due to his Tommy John surgery.

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The takeaway

The loss of Zach Eflin for the 2026 season due to Tommy John surgery is a major setback for the Baltimore Orioles, who were counting on the veteran right-hander to be a key part of their starting rotation. The team will now need to find a way to replace his production and leadership as they look to remain competitive in the American League East.