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After originally joining the Orioles in a trade just a few days before last year's July deadline, Zach Eflin was off to a nice start here in 2025. Through his first three outings of the season, the veteran righty recorded a pair of wins while posting a 3.00 ERA and 0.83 WHIP across 18.0 innings. Known for his impeccable control, Eflin has issued just one walk to this point.
Unfortunately, the injury bug going around the Baltimore pitching staff bit the Opening Day starter last week, as Eflin has been out of action since April 8 due to a lat strain.
On a positive note, Eflin is reportedly progressing in his recovery and optimistic he can get back on the mound for the Orioles soon. He played catch for the first time Wednesday.
In the meantime, the Orioles need a starting pitcher to fill Eflin's spot Saturday. The club announced Friday that it will be Brandon Young making his MLB debut at Camden Yards against the Reds.
The Orioles' No. 20 prospect (Baseball America), Young was named the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2024. He has kept up the solid work in the early going of 2025, turning in a 2.76 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 17-to-2 K/BB ratio through 16.1 innings for Triple-A Norfolk.
With a similar makeup to that of Eflin, Young is not necessarily looking to overpower opposing hitters with blistering velocity. Instead, he brings a multi-pitch mix that he commands very well from a towering, right-handed frame.
Keep an eye on @OsPlayerDev RHP Brandon Young.
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) April 8, 2025
➡️ Ranks No. 20 in their system
➡️ Added to their 40-man this winter
➡️ Made this week's Hot Sheethttps://t.co/kVFbZnd9P6 pic.twitter.com/m2n738KiXu
If Young takes advantage of his first big-league opportunity Saturday, the pitching-starved Orioles could decide to keep him around for a while. Baltimore's rotation currently ranks 29th in ERA with an ugly 5.09 mark for the season.
Eflin stated this week that he is "not interested in missing a lot of time." Be that as it may, it is likely going to take him at least a couple of more weeks to return.
The Orioles could obviously use a boost in the starting-pitching department. Maybe Young can give them one.
More must-reads:
- Surprising Marlins earn MLB first in sweep of Yankees
- Brewers place All-Star righty Jacob Misiorowski on 15-day injured list
- The '250-strikeout MLB seasons' quiz
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