Craig Albernaz had an update on the next steps for Baltimore Orioles right-hander Zach Eflin.
The Baltimore Orioles may already be dealing with a concerning situation in their starting rotation, as manager Craig Albernaz provided a troubling update on veteran right-hander Zach Eflin.
Eflin, who was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 1 due to right elbow discomfort, exited his season debut on March 31 against the Texas Rangers after just 3 2/3 innings. At the time, the team hoped the issue was minor, but the latest update suggests there could be more concern than initially expected.
“Orioles right-hander Zach Eflin is seeking a second opinion on his right elbow after an MRI, manager Craig Albernaz said,” reported Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner.
Second opinions are often a sign that a situation may be more serious, making this development especially disappointing for both Eflin and the Orioles. After a difficult 2025 season filled with injuries, the right-hander had entered 2026 looking to reestablish himself.
Baltimore signed Eflin to a one-year $10 million deal this past offseason, which included a mutual option for 2027. The move was viewed as a low-risk, high-upside addition to the rotation, particularly after he showed flashes of effectiveness earlier in his career.
However, his 2025 campaign was a struggle. Across 14 starts, Eflin posted a 5.93 ERA while dealing with recurring back injuries that limited his availability and consistency. This spring, though, he appeared to be turning a corner. In two spring training starts, he did not allow a run, giving the Orioles hope that he could be a reliable arm in the rotation.
Now, that optimism has quickly faded. With Eflin sidelined, pitchers like Cade Povich and Dean Kremer are expected to take on larger roles to help fill the void. That places additional pressure on a staff already working to stabilize itself early in the season.
Eflin is now in his 11th MLB season, having debuted with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016 before spending time with the Tampa Bay Rays and eventually being traded to Baltimore at the 2024 deadline. Throughout his career, he has shown the ability to be a steady contributor when healthy, but injuries have repeatedly disrupted his momentum.
For the Orioles, this latest update is a difficult one to absorb. Losing Eflin for an extended period would test their rotation depth and complicate their plans for the season.
For now, all eyes will be on the results of the second opinion, which will ultimately determine the next step in Eflin’s recovery and shape Baltimore’s pitching outlook moving forward.