Baltimore Orioles right-hander Zach Eflin underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, the team announced Wednesday, per Jake Rill of MLB.com.
Although the Orioles didn't provide a timetable for his return, the surgery effectively ends his 2026 season. Recovery from a full-scale UCL reconstruction can range from 12 to 18 months.
Eflin struck out seven in his first and only start of the season on March 31. However, he left the game hurt after 3 2/3 innings and was placed on the 15-day injured list the following day with what the team called right elbow discomfort.
The Orioles transferred Eflin to the 60-day IL on Tuesday to clear a roster spot for newly acquired pitcher Nick Raquet.
Eflin re-signed with the Orioles on a one-year, $10-million deal this past winter. His contract contains a $25-million mutual option in 2027 or a $2-million buyout.
The 32-year-old originally joined Baltimore in July 2024 after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays and helped the O's reach the postseason. Eflin struggled to maintain that form in 2025, posting a 5.93 ERA with just 50 strikeouts over 71 1/3 innings while battling lat and back injuries.
With Eflin now out of the equation, the Orioles are down to four healthy starters in Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, and Chris Bassitt. Potential long-term starting options for Baltimore include Dean Kremer, a six-year big-league veteran who failed to make the team out of camp, and Brandon Young, who's also on the 40-man roster and pitching in Triple-A. Reliever Albert Suárez also has starting experience.
