Baltimore Orioles' Zach Eflin Transferred to 60-Day Injured List Amid Elbow Concerns

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Zach Eflin is facing significant challenges as he deals with discomfort in his right elbow. The team announced that Eflin is seeking a second opinion regarding his condition and has been transferred to the 60-day injured list. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz indicated that this decision aligns with the current trajectory of Eflin's health, stating, "The way it's trending, 60-day makes a ton of sense."

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Eflin, who is set to turn 32, had a rocky start to the season, being pulled from his first game against the Texas Rangers after just 3 2/3 innings. His history of injuries is notable; in 2025, he was sidelined multiple times due to lat and back issues, finishing the season with a 6-5 record and a 5.93 ERA across 14 starts.

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In response to Eflin's injury, the Orioles have made several roster moves. Right-hander Brandon Young has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after contributing five scoreless innings in a recent victory over the Chicago White Sox. Young was initially called up to fill in for Eflin, but with his reassignment, the Orioles have acquired left-hander Nick Raquet from the St. Louis Cardinals. Raquet, who was designated for assignment by the Cardinals, adds depth to the Orioles' bullpen, particularly in left-handed pitching. Albernaz emphasized the importance of having sufficient left-handed options, stating, "You can never have enough left-handed pitching, especially relievers."

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While the Orioles have expressed confidence in their pitching depth, some analysts have raised concerns about the team's reliance on a rotation that has already faced significant injuries. The ongoing issues with Eflin's elbow may exacerbate these concerns, particularly given his previous injury history. Critics argue that the team needs to consider more robust strategies for managing player health and depth in the rotation.

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The Orioles' management has been proactive in addressing the situation. Albernaz noted the importance of Young's performance, highlighting that "B.Y. stepping up, giving us five innings of shutout baseball was exactly what we needed." The acquisition of Raquet is also seen as a strategic move to bolster the bullpen amid Eflin's uncertain status.

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As Eflin seeks further evaluation for his elbow discomfort, the Orioles will continue to monitor his condition closely. The team is expected to rely on its remaining pitchers while assessing potential long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of injuries on their season. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be forthcoming as more information becomes available.

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