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Orioles' Zach Eflin Undergoes Tommy John Surgery
Eflin's season is over after just one start, raising concerns about the Orioles' pitching depth.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:21am
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The Orioles' pitching rotation faces an uncertain future after Zach Eflin's season-ending Tommy John surgery.Arlington TodayBaltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin has undergone successful Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2026 season. Eflin, the team's Opening Day starter last year, made just one start this season before exiting with right elbow discomfort. The Orioles' pitching rotation has now been significantly impacted, with several other pitchers also on the injured list.
Why it matters
The loss of Eflin is a major blow to the Orioles' starting rotation, which the team had worked to bolster in the offseason. With several other pitchers already on the IL, the Orioles' depth is being severely tested early in the season, raising concerns about their ability to remain competitive in the AL East.
The details
Eflin was removed from his first start of the season against the Texas Rangers after just 3.2 innings. He had struck out seven batters but also allowed a solo home run. After being placed on the 60-day IL, Eflin sought a second opinion and underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday. The 32-year-old's season is now over, and his status with the Orioles in 2027 is uncertain.
- Eflin made his first start of the 2026 season on April 7.
- Eflin was placed on the 60-day IL earlier this week.
- Eflin underwent successful Tommy John surgery on April 12.
The players
Zach Eflin
A 32-year-old right-handed pitcher who was the Orioles' Opening Day starter in 2025 before missing the rest of the season due to a lumbar microdiscectomy procedure.
Shane Baz
A pitcher acquired by the Orioles in the offseason to bolster their starting rotation.
Chris Bassitt
A free agent pitcher signed by the Orioles in the offseason to improve their starting rotation.
Brandon Young
A pitcher who made a spot start for the Orioles on Monday, picking up the win with five innings of solid work.
Dean Kremer
A pitcher who has made a start at Triple-A Norfolk this season and is a candidate to replace Eflin in the Orioles' rotation.
What’s next
The Orioles will need to find a replacement for Eflin in their starting rotation, with potential options including Brandon Young, Dean Kremer, and Cade Povich. The team may also look to the trade market or free agency for additional pitching help.
The takeaway
The loss of Zach Eflin to Tommy John surgery is a significant setback for the Orioles, who had worked to improve their starting rotation in the offseason. With several other pitchers already on the injured list, the team's depth is being severely tested early in the season, raising concerns about their ability to remain competitive in the AL East.
