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Orioles Lose Veteran Pitcher to Tommy John Surgery

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Jesse Stiller | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 9:42 PM ET

The Baltimore Orioles lost right-handed starting pitcher Zach Eflin for the season after he underwent Tommy John surgery this week.

The 32-year-old sustained elbow discomfort in his first start of the 2026 season on March 31 against the Texas Rangers. He abruptly departed after pitching only 3 2/3 innings, with the Orioles eventually losing 8-5. Eflin received a second opinion on Tuesday, which determined that Eflin needed the surgery, and the team moved him to the 60-day injured list just before announcing the news.

“I feel for Zach,” manager Craig Albernaz told the Baltimore Banner about the injury last week. “The whole coaching staff, the whole team, you just feel for him. Heart hurts for him. You never want to see anything happen to any player, especially someone like Zach.”

The team made a trade shortly before the news came out, sending utilityman Brayden Smith to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for left-handed pitcher Nick Raquet.

Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin had successful right elbow UCL reconstruction with Dr. Keith Meister. He’s out for the season.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) April 8, 2026

Zach Eflin Out for Season After Tommy John Surgery

Orioles Rotation and Roster Being Tested Early

Eflin’s injury marks the seventh pitcher the Orioles have lost to injury in the 2026 season, and is the first starter to go down. The team is currently operating without closer Félix Bautista, relievers Keegan Akin and Andrew Kittredge, among others.

The 32-year-old veteran was attempting a bounce-back season for the Orioles after posting a 5.93 ERA over 71 1/3 innings in 2025. Eflin also sustained a season-ending back injury that required surgery, following a lat injury and an additional back issue earlier in the season.

Here is the last pitch Zach Eflin threw before he exited the game with an apparent injury pic.twitter.com/nD6HrTBmyt

— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) March 31, 2026

The news might also open a spot for pitcher Tyler Wells, who started the season in the bullpen. In hopes of addressing the rash of injuries, the team also recalled left-handed pitcher Cade Povich after reliever Yaramil Hiraldo suffered right shoulder inflammation.

Cade Povich recalled from Triple-A by the Orioles.

— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) April 5, 2026

As of publication time, the Orioles also do not have infielder Jackson Holliday (hand surgery), utilityman Jordan Westburg (UCL tear), or outfielder Heston Kjerstad (hamstring strain) on the current depth chart, bringing their injury total to 10. Baltimore dodged a bullet in spring training after Samuel Basallo sustained a day-to-day injury on a play at the plate.

The Orioles are Running Out of Depth

The string of early-season injuries is quickly depleting the Orioles’ pitching depth in the minors, with only a handful of prospects to choose from.

In an ideal situation, No. 3 organizational prospect Trey Gibson is the next man up should any more injuries surface. The 23-year-old is off to a rocky start in Triple-A. He holds a 7.71 ERA over seven innings with 15 hits and six walks. Nestor German, the team’s 10th prospect, also has an ERA near 7.00 with nine hits over eight innings.

But even in the minors, the team is encountering injury trouble. Juaron Watts-Brown, a right-handed pitcher the team acquired last year, is on the seven-day injured list with an unspecified injury. Braxton Bragg, who gained some attention last year, is on the 60-day injured list. He is also recovering from Tommy John surgery.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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