{"id":656964,"date":"2026-04-01T16:28:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T16:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/656964\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T16:28:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T16:28:16","slug":"orioles-move-starting-pitcher-to-il-following-season-debut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/656964\/","title":{"rendered":"Orioles Move Starting Pitcher to IL Following Season Debut"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Baltimore Orioles<\/a> have made their official response to starting pitcher Zach Eflin’s injury<\/a>, moving him to the 15-day IL and calling up RHP Albert Su\u00e1rez from Triple-A Norfolk.<\/p>\n

While the extent of Eflin’s injury is still not quite clear, the club is currently labeling it as “elbow discomfort” and he is set for further testing to determine if he will miss extended time beyond the 15-day window.<\/p>\n

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com\/8BlP5AIdMj<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) April 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Eflin threw a total of 74 pitches in his abbreviated outing, striking out seven and allowing just one run on four hits before he had to leave the game. After losing control of a curveball, Eflin was visited on the mound by manager Craig Albernaz and head athletic trainer Scott Barringer, who quickly removed him.<\/p>\n

Here is the last pitch Zach Eflin threw before he exited the game with an apparent injury pic.twitter.com\/nD6HrTBmyt<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) March 31, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

It’s a crushing blow for the 31-year-old hurler who was making his first start since undergoing back surgery at the end of last season. Eflin made 14 starts for Baltimore last season before the back injury, struggling to a 5.93 ERA and 6-5 record. After resigning with the Orioles on a one-year deal in December and posting a strong spring, he seemed poised for a bounce-back campaign more similar to the second half of his 2024 season, where he gave the O’s nine quality starts after coming over in a trade from Tampa Bay.<\/p>\n

Filling his roster spot for now will be Su\u00e1rez, who pitched to a 2.31 ERA and a 2-0 record in five games for the Orioles last season. The 36-year-old is just one year removed from 24 starts (32 total appearances) in 2024, where he managed a 3.70 ERA and a 9-7 record.<\/p>\n

While Su\u00e1rez has proven to be a solid option, Baltimore would be wise to consider other options if Eflin’s injury turns out to be more significant than just discomfort. One obvious option could be Dean Kremer, whom the O’s made the tough decision to option to the minors to start the season<\/a>, likely in an effort to keep him stretched out as a starter in case of injury within the rotation. The club could also look to options outside of the organization like Lucas Giolito, who remains a free agent and was linked to Baltimore throughout the offseason.<\/p>\n

In a corresponding move, the Orioles transferred Jordan Westburg to the 60-day IL to make room for Su\u00e1rez on the 40-man roster. This pushes the earliest return date for the infielder back to May 24th as he continues to rehab a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Westburg has dodged surgery so far, receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection, and has continued to progress without setback.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s quite noteworthy that the Orioles are putting Jordan Westburg on the 60-day IL, which means he can\u2019t return until May 24 at the earliest https:\/\/t.co\/pJ5p2Yxadf<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) April 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

As the Orioles await further news on Eflin, it is difficult to speculate on any necessary moves to reshape the rotation. Regardless, it’s terrible luck for both Eflin, who is looking to reestablish his place on the team after a significant injury and Baltimore, who made it a strong emphasis of the offseason to bolster their rotation with additional firepower.<\/p>\n

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