Orioles’ Zach Eflin seeks second opinion for sore elbow

Here’s a fresh update on the Baltimore Orioles’ latest injury news and roster moves, all revolving around right-hander Zach Eflin’s shift to the 60-day injured list. The team’s scrambling a bit to fill the gap while Eflin seeks a second medical opinion. There’s also some shuffling in the rotation and bullpen, thanks to trades and call-ups that might surprise you.

Injury Update: Eflin to the 60-Day IL and Orioles’ Rotation Plans

The Orioles just moved Zach Eflin to the 60-day injured list as he looks for another opinion on his right elbow discomfort. Eflin left after just 3⅔ innings in his March 31 start against the Texas Rangers; the club called it a precaution, but it’s not looking minor. Manager Craig Albernaz admitted the 60-day IL “makes a ton of sense” with how things are going and the need for solid medical answers.

There’s an age factor here too. Eflin’s 31 now—he’ll turn 32 on Wednesday—and he re-signed with Baltimore in the offseason for $10 million after a rough, injury-filled 2025. Last year, he landed on the IL three separate times with lat and back problems, wrapping up the season 6-5 with a 5.93 ERA in 14 starts. The Orioles will have to lean on their depth while he gets checked out and figures out next steps.

So, Baltimore’s already reworking its rotation plans early in the season. They’re testing out internal arms and brought in a new lefty who could help the bullpen and maybe cover some long relief if things get dicey.

Rotation Coverage and Bullpen Depth: Young, Povich, and Raquet

Trying to patch things together while Eflin’s out, the Orioles optioned righty Brandon Young to Triple-A Norfolk after he threw five scoreless innings in a 2-1 win over the White Sox. Young had come up from Norfolk to fill in after Cade Povich worked 5⅔ innings in long relief. The club’s clearly still figuring out how to juggle the bullpen and starting depth this early in the year.

Baltimore also made a separate move, picking up lefty Nick Raquet from the St. Louis Cardinals and sending minor league second baseman Brayden Smith the other way. Raquet, 30, was recently designated for assignment by the Cardinals and hasn’t seen much MLB action—just two scoreless innings in his 2025 debut and a couple of Triple-A relief appearances so far this season. The Orioles are hoping Raquet can be a fresh bullpen option and maybe soak up some innings while Eflin’s situation plays out.

Albernaz emphasized how much the team needs left-handed bullpen depth, calling it a big priority. He said Raquet’s arrival gives them more matchup flexibility and a way to ease him back in after his short layoff. “Adding a lefty helps with matchups and gives us flexibility,” Albernaz explained, hinting at a practical, day-by-day approach as the bullpen and rotation keep shifting.

What This Means for the Orioles’ Plans Going Forward

• Health-first approach: The Orioles are putting medical advice first and taking it slow with Eflin. They know that rushing could mess up the rotation for months, maybe longer.
• Internal depth tested: Young heading to Norfolk shows the team’s not afraid to shuffle Triple-A arms in and out. Povich, meanwhile, could step in for long relief if things get hairy.
• Raquet’s role and timeline: Raquet’s arrival adds a lefty to the bullpen mix. The club will probably let him settle in before giving him too much work, just to see how his command and stamina hold up.

For Orioles fans, it’s pretty obvious: Eflin’s health comes first. The front office is juggling short-term needs and the bigger picture, trying to keep things afloat while not losing sight of what’s ahead.

 
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