Orioles lose key starter for rest of 2026

Zach Eflin's 2026 season with the Baltimore Orioles lasted for fewer than four innings.

Rich Kubatko from MASNsports.com reported on Wednesday that Eflin had surgery to reconstruct the UCL in his right elbow. Eflin will miss the rest of this year and at least part of the 2027 season as he recovers.

Eflin had been excellent down the stretch after being acquired from the Rays at the 2024 MLB trade deadline. That was not the case in 2025 as he battled injuries and was ineffective when he was able to take the mound. Eflin posted a 5.93 ERA and a 1.416 WHIP over his 71.1 innings, striking out 50 batters with 13 walks.

Baltimore Orioles have potential options to replace Zach Eflin

Eflin appeared set to return to form this season. He had a strong showing in spring training, allowing two hits and a walk over 7.1 shutout innings, striking out 10 batters. That start had carried over into the regular season as Eflin allowed a run on four hits and two walks, striking out seven in his 3.2 innings before leaving his start with elbow discomfort.

The Orioles have options to fill Eflin's spot in the rotation. Brandon Young had a solid showing on Monday before being sent back to Triple-A, but he could be recalled due to Eflin's injury. Dean Kremer, who has made at least 20 starts for the Orioles over the past four years, was surprisingly optioned to Triple-A and could reclaim a spot in the rotation. Cade Povich fired 5.1 innings in relief of Chris Bassitt on Monday and could fill in Eflin's spot in the rotation.

Options are available in free agency as well. Lucas Giolito and Marcus Stroman are two of the more prominent names still available in free agency and could help solidify the Orioles rotation if they do not want to use any of their internal options.