Orioles Move Starting Pitcher to IL Following Season Debut

Baltimore starter Zach Eflin only made it to the fourth inning of his first start of the season before he was pulled from the game due to elbow discomfort.

Jun 21, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin (24) heads to the dugout from the bullpen before the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Orioles have made their official response to starting pitcher Zach Eflin's injury, moving him to the 15-day IL and calling up RHP Albert Suárez from Triple-A Norfolk.

While the extent of Eflin's injury is still not quite clear, the club is currently labeling it as "elbow discomfort" and he is set for further testing to determine if he will miss extended time beyond the 15-day window.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/8BlP5AIdMj

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) April 1, 2026

Eflin threw a total of 74 pitches in his abbreviated outing, striking out seven and allowing just one run on four hits before he had to leave the game. After losing control of a curveball, Eflin was visited on the mound by manager Craig Albernaz and head athletic trainer Scott Barringer, who quickly removed him.

Here is the last pitch Zach Eflin threw before he exited the game with an apparent injury pic.twitter.com/nD6HrTBmyt

— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) March 31, 2026

It's a crushing blow for the 31-year-old hurler who was making his first start since undergoing back surgery at the end of last season. Eflin made 14 starts for Baltimore last season before the back injury, struggling to a 5.93 ERA and 6-5 record. After resigning with the Orioles on a one-year deal in December and posting a strong spring, he seemed poised for a bounce-back campaign more similar to the second half of his 2024 season, where he gave the O's nine quality starts after coming over in a trade from Tampa Bay.

Filling his roster spot for now will be Suárez, who pitched to a 2.31 ERA and a 2-0 record in five games for the Orioles last season. The 36-year-old is just one year removed from 24 starts (32 total appearances) in 2024, where he managed a 3.70 ERA and a 9-7 record.

While Suárez has proven to be a solid option, Baltimore would be wise to consider other options if Eflin's injury turns out to be more significant than just discomfort. One obvious option could be Dean Kremer, whom the O's made the tough decision to option to the minors to start the season, likely in an effort to keep him stretched out as a starter in case of injury within the rotation. The club could also look to options outside of the organization like Lucas Giolito, who remains a free agent and was linked to Baltimore throughout the offseason.

In a corresponding move, the Orioles transferred Jordan Westburg to the 60-day IL to make room for Suárez on the 40-man roster. This pushes the earliest return date for the infielder back to May 24th as he continues to rehab a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Westburg has dodged surgery so far, receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection, and has continued to progress without setback.

It’s quite noteworthy that the Orioles are putting Jordan Westburg on the 60-day IL, which means he can’t return until May 24 at the earliest https://t.co/pJ5p2Yxadf

— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) April 1, 2026

As the Orioles await further news on Eflin, it is difficult to speculate on any necessary moves to reshape the rotation. Regardless, it's terrible luck for both Eflin, who is looking to reestablish his place on the team after a significant injury and Baltimore, who made it a strong emphasis of the offseason to bolster their rotation with additional firepower.

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