Inside The Orioles

Baltimore Orioles Ace Could Head to Injured List Soon With Back Injury

The Baltimore Orioles may end up having another injury setback in their pitching staff, with one of their starters possibly ending up on the injured list soon.
Jeremy Trottier|
Jun 21, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin (24) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium.
Jun 21, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin (24) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. | John Jones-Imagn Images

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Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are on a bad trajectory when it comes to their 2025 season and it's only getting worse for the pitching staff.

Starting pitcher Zach Eflin, who has already been on the injured list once this season, could be next in line to return there as he may need some time to rehabilitate an injury.

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In two recent updates provided by Jake Rill of MLB.com, he reported that Eflin was feeling "stiff" in his back on Sunday. Rill later reported that interim manager Tony Mansolino said Eflin is trending towards heading to the injured list, and it could occur by Monday.

The injury is considered a lower back strain. He left after the first inning of his last start on Saturday. He reported some stiffness before the game but was unable to pitch through it.

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Lower back injuries have haunted Eflin over the years, as he has dealt with it multiple times. Those past injuries have caused him to go to the injured list.

Eflin missed a month earlier this season with a different injury, so adding this injury to the mix certainly won't help the team or any potential trade conversations that might happen the next month. Giving him time to recover may not be a bad idea, but Baltimore didn't need another starter injury right now.

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With 11 players currently on the injured list, it is not looking great for the team's chances to turn things around. Unfortunately, those injuries are part of the issue as the Orioles came into the season with the oldest starting rotation in the league.

Baltimore has had a difficult time making almost anything work, and injuries have definitely played their part this year.

For more Orioles news, head over to Orioles On SI.

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Jeremy Trottier
JEREMY TROTTIER

Jeremy Trottier started his writing journey with WBLZ Media, and has worked through multiple publications with 247Sports, USA Today, Fansided, SBNation and others. He is an avid fan of motorsports and most sports in general, and has completed a degree in sports management to further understand the sports industry. During his time with sports media, he has been credentialed for coverage of Boston College sports, and can often be found attending their football and basketball games as well as expected coverage of their men’s soccer team in the near future. Sports are a large part of his life and career, as he looks to pursue a full time role within the industry someday.

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