Orioles’ Zach Eflin Faces Elbow Tests, Likely Headed to IL

The Baltimore Orioles hit a rough patch Tuesday night. Right-hander Zach Eflin left his return start against the Texas Rangers with right elbow discomfort.

Eflin had just come back after a long layoff since July. He pitched 3 2/3 innings, struck out seven, and allowed only one run—a solo homer by Ezequiel Durán.

Then came a mound visit, and just like that, he was gone. The team plans to get imaging done on Wednesday.

Odds are, they might put him on the injured list soon. Not exactly what you want to hear when the Orioles are trying to survive the season’s stretch run.

Eflin’s outing ends early with elbow discomfort

Eflin’s comeback looked promising at first. He left after feeling something in his elbow with two on and two outs in the fourth.

His return had flashes of hope, but the health scare throws a wrench into things. The Orioles re-signed him this winter on a one-year deal, hoping for stability and maybe a little upside.

Now they’ve got to make a quick call on his status and possibly shuffle the roster.

Game details and early exit

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Key numbers from the night: Eflin pitched 3 2/3 innings, struck out seven, and gave up just one run—a Durán homer.

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In the fourth, Eflin felt discomfort in his elbow and left after a mound visit. Imaging is set for the next day, and an injured list stint could happen depending on the results.

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The Orioles hung in there for a bit, but the Rangers scored three after Eflin’s exit and won 8-5.

Impact on the Orioles’ rotation

The timing’s not great for Baltimore. Eflin was supposed to anchor a shaky rotation, especially after a rocky 2025 season.

If he’s out for a while, the club might turn to Dean Kremer. Kremer started the season in the minors, but he’s got big-league experience and could fill in.

Possible replacements and IL considerations

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Offseason context and 2025 backdrop

The Orioles brought Eflin back on a one-year, $10 million deal. There’s also a $25 million mutual option for 2027 or a $2 million buyout.

That setup shows they want proven depth but aren’t ready to go all-in unless Eflin proves he can stay healthy. His 2025 season? Not great—injuries and back problems, a 6-5 record, and a 5.93 ERA after he had to shut it down early.

What the numbers and the plan say about the future

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Team sentiment and game outcome

Albernaz and his teammates offered sympathies. They know Eflin’s dealt with extra workload and health hurdles for years now.

Pete Alonso called the situation discouraging. He pointed out how fast a pitcher’s health can change a team’s whole direction.

The Orioles left Tuesday’s contest with an 8-5 setback. Even when the offense clicks, health issues in the rotation can throw off the game plan.

As the Orioles wait for Wednesday’s imaging results, the club faces some tough choices. How do you protect a contending season’s trajectory when your rotation’s already been carved up by injuries?

Eflin’s status will dictate whether Baltimore leans on internal depth or speeds up contingency plans. The rotation just can’t handle more uncertainty right now.

Bottom line: Eflin’s early exit injects uncertainty into a still-young season. The Orioles have to find reliable innings fast, all while deciding the best path forward for a pitching staff built to contend.

Fans and the front office will be watching the MRI results closely. Baltimore’s trying to stabilize a rotation that simply can’t take more disruptions this late in the race.
 
Here is the source article for this story: Orioles’ Zach Eflin set for tests on elbow, likely to hit IL