Orioles' Zach Eflin Seeks Second Opinion on Elbow Injury

Potential IL Stint Raises Concerns About Pitcher's Comeback and Orioles' Rotation Depth

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:15am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into overlapping planes of vibrant orange and black, conceptually representing the complexities of Eflin's injury and the Orioles' dilemma.Eflin's elbow injury exposes the fragility of a pitcher's career and the high-stakes decisions facing the Orioles as they navigate an uncertain path forward.Today in Pittsburgh

Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin is seeking a second medical opinion on his injured right elbow, which forced him out of his season debut against the Rangers. The timing of this setback is particularly concerning, as Eflin was making a comeback after undergoing back surgery last August. The Orioles now face a dilemma as they weigh their options to replace Eflin in the rotation, with Triple-A call-up Dean Kremer as the likely candidate despite limited recent game action.

Why it matters

Eflin's injury exposes the fragility of pitchers' careers and the high-stakes decisions teams face when dealing with unexpected medical issues. The Orioles' success this season was partly pinned on Eflin's resurgence, and his prolonged absence could jeopardize their playoff aspirations. This situation also highlights the broader challenges in baseball around injury prevention and management.

The details

In his season debut, Eflin was forced to exit the game against the Rangers due to right elbow discomfort. The 29-year-old right-hander is now seeking a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas. Eflin's one-year, $10 million deal with the Orioles was a bet on his ability to bounce back from back surgery, and this latest injury setback raises concerns about his long-term durability.

  • Eflin was removed from his season debut against the Rangers on April 5th due to right elbow discomfort.
  • Eflin is scheduled to meet with Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas for a second opinion on his injured elbow.

The players

Zach Eflin

A 29-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, who is seeking a second opinion on his injured right elbow.

Dean Kremer

A Triple-A pitcher for the Orioles' minor league affiliate, who is the likely replacement for Eflin in the rotation if his injury sidelines him for an extended period.

Dr. Keith Meister

An orthopedic surgeon in Dallas who will provide a second opinion on Eflin's elbow injury.

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What’s next

The Orioles will wait for the results of Eflin's meeting with Dr. Meister, which could provide clarity on the severity of the injury and the timeline for his potential return. If Eflin's absence is prolonged, the Orioles will need to decide whether to rush Dean Kremer back to the major league roster or explore other options to fill the void in their starting rotation.

The takeaway

Eflin's injury situation is a reminder of the fragility of pitchers' careers and the difficult decisions teams must make when dealing with unexpected medical issues. This case highlights the broader challenges in baseball around injury prevention and management, as well as the importance of depth and adaptability for teams aspiring to contend.