Orioles' Zach Eflin has Tommy John surgery, out for season

Field Level Media|published: Thu 9th April, 08:32 2026

Mar 31, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin (24) throws during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Zach Eflin will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow Wednesday.

Eflin, 32, had the procedure performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas.

Signed to a one-year contract for a guaranteed $10 million with a mutual option for the 2027 season, Eflin (0-0, 2.45 ERA) made just one start this season.

He allowed one run on four hits with seven strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings of a no-decision in his team's 8-5 loss to the Texas Rangers on March 31. His 74th pitch proved to be his last of the day, as he experienced discomfort in his elbow and exited the field with head athletic trainer Scott Barringer.

The team's Opening Day starter in 2025, Eflin was solid to begin last season before sustaining a right lat strain in April. He was shut down in August to undergo a lumbar microdiscectomy, a procedure that addresses herniated discs in the lower back.

Eflin was on the injured list three times in 2025, the latter two stints due to lower back discomfort.

For his career, he is 68-67 with one save and a 4.28 ERA in 1,077 1/3 innings over 201 regular-season games (189 starts) with the Philadelphia Phillies (2016-22), Tampa Bay Rays (2023-24) and Orioles.

Eflin also is 0-1 with one save, a 4.12 ERA, five walks and 18 strikeouts in 12 playoff games (two starts) from 2022-24.

--Field Level Media

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