The Baltimore Orioles face a significant early-season test following the news that veteran right-hander Zach Eflin is headed to the injured list with right elbow discomfort. After an injury-plagued 2025 season, Eflin had shown immense promise during spring training and the early frames of his Tuesday start against the Texas Rangers, where he struck out seven batters in fewer than 4 innings. His departure leaves a void in a rotation that was already leaning on its depth to maintain a competitive edge. Manager Craig Albernaz and the front office now must navigate the loss of a key clubhouse leader and a pitcher who, when healthy, provides the kind of stability and increased velocity that can anchor a staff.
To weather this setback, the Orioles are expected to turn to familiar faces to bridge the gap. Dean Kremer, who began the season in Triple-A Norfolk, is the most logical candidate to be recalled and slot back into the starting rotation. Additionally, the team may look to internal versatile arms like Albert Suárez to soak up innings or potentially leverage a spot-starter approach from the bullpen. While losing a starter just one turn through the rotation is a frustrating blow, Baltimore’s strategy of building pitching depth over the offseason was designed for this exact scenario. The next few weeks will prove whether that "next man up" philosophy can keep the team on track in the competitive American League East.
