The Baltimore Orioles entered the 2026 MLB season looking to bounce back after going 75-87 and missing the postseason last year. They're off to a rocky start so far, sitting at 4-6 following a Monday win over the Chicago White Sox to begin a three-game series.
Early on, Baltimore has been hit with several big injuries. In his first start of the year, pitcher Zach Eflin left during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers due to an injury. After the game, he was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort.
He finished the game pitching 3.2 innings, allowing four hits, two walks and one earned run while striking out seven.
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While the 31-year-old's first start ended on a sour note, there was hope he wouldn't miss an extended period of time. Unfortunately, on Tuesday, MASN's Roch Kubatko reported that the Orioles have transferred Eflin to the 60-day injured list.
"The Orioles have made the following roster moves: - Acquired LHP Nick Raquet from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for minor league INF/OF Brayden Smith. He has not yet reported. - Transferred RHP Zach Eflin (right elbow discomfort) to the 60-day Injured List," Kubatko wrote.
With Eflin not eligible to return until May 31, Baltimore has a hole in its starting rotation for longer than expected. While the Orioles did acquire Raquet from the Cardinals, he isn't viewed as a replacement option and will likely be slotted into the bullpen.
Brandon Young was recalled from the Triple-A Norfolk Tides on Monday to start against the White Sox. He was solid, tossing five innings and allowing zero runs. However, he was optioned back down to Triple-A on Tuesday.
Dean Kremer is seen as a likely candidate to help fill the void left by Eflin. Currently playing for Norfolk, he made 31 appearances and 29 starts for the Orioles last year, accumulating a 4.19 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.
