The return of starting pitcher Zach Eflin to the Orioles this offseason was one filled with uncertainty due to the right-handed pitcher’s recent health struggles in 2025.
Eflin’s 2026 debut in the O’s rotation ended early when he left with an apparent injury in the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers. Eflin had tossed 74 pitches in 3.2 innings pitched with one run on four hits and seven strikeouts.
Pitching coach Drew French went out for a mound visit with two outs, Eflin threw one more pitch, and was then done. The O’s have not provided any sort of injury update on Eflin’s exit.
Eflin was making his first start for the Orioles since July of last season following back surgery.
Eflin’s addition to the Birds’ rotation for this season sent Dean Kremer packing to Triple-A Norfolk to start the season.