Baltimore Orioles right-hander Zach Eflin’s 2026 season came to an abrupt halt after just one start when he underwent Tommy John (UCL reconstruction) surgery on his right elbow, the team announced Wednesday. The 32-year-old sought a second opinion with Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas on Tuesday, which confirmed the need for the procedure. This development follows a 2025 season plagued by injuries, including three stints on the injured list and a lumbar microdiscectomy in August, which ended his campaign early.
Eflin had signed a one-year, $10 million contract with Baltimore on December 28, 2025, with a mutual option for 2027, leaving uncertainty about whether he would be ready for the 2026 season. Despite the doubts, Eflin impressed during Spring Training, tossing 7 1/3 scoreless innings over two Grapefruit League starts, earning a spot on Baltimore’s Opening Day roster.
Zach Eflin Undergoes Tommy John Surgery, Ending Orioles 2026 Season After One StartEflin Exits After Strong Start, Orioles Adjust Rotation Amid Uncertain Future
He made his season debut on March 31 against the Texas Rangers at Camden Yards, recording seven strikeouts and allowing just one run over 3 2/3 innings. However, discomfort in his elbow on his 74th pitch forced him out of the game, marking the first elbow injury in his 11-year MLB career.
Eflin previously pitched for the Phillies (2016–22) and the Rays (2023–24) before being traded to Baltimore at the 2024 trade deadline, posting a 2.60 ERA in nine starts that year. His 2025 season was uneven, finishing with a 5.93 ERA over 14 starts while battling lingering injuries. Before the elbow setback, Eflin appeared poised for a bounce-back 2026.
The Orioles’ rotation will adjust to his absence, with left-hander Cade Povich taking Eflin’s Opening Day spot temporarily and right-hander Dean Kremer expected to assume the fifth starter role. Kremer has a 2.89 ERA in two Triple-A starts and threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings on Wednesday. Eflin’s future remains uncertain, as he may become a free agent after the season and is likely to begin 2027 on the injured list while recovering from surgery.
