PITTSBURGH -- A new update has emerged pertaining to the status of Orioles right-hander Zach Eflin's injured right elbow.
Manager Craig Albernaz said prior to Friday's series opener in Pittsburgh that Eflin is traveling to Dallas to get a second opinion on the elbow from Dr. Keith Meister. Eflin, who exited his season debut on Tuesday with discomfort, underwent imaging in Baltimore on Wednesday after getting placed on the 15-day injured list.
Albernaz did not share what the imaging revealed, but more information will come after Eflin meets with Meister.
The injury has been a disappointing development for Eflin, who had a strong Spring Training coming off of back surgery last August. At the beginning of camp, the O's weren't sure whether the 31-year-old would be built up in time for the start of the season -- he was the last starter to get into Grapefruit League action -- but he tossed 7 1/3 scoreless innings over two spring outings and showed he was ready to go.
Eflin, who re-signed with the Orioles on a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $10 million on Dec. 28, racked up seven strikeouts and allowed only one run through 3 2/3 innings vs. the Rangers at Camden Yards on Tuesday, before he began to feel discomfort in his right elbow. He threw one pitch after an initial mound visit, then exited the field with head athletic trainer Scott Barringer by his side.
When Eflin went on the IL, Baltimore called up right-hander Albert Suárez to provide relief to its taxed bullpen. The 36-year-old tossed three innings of one-run ball to earn the save in Wednesday's 8-3 win over Texas.
If Eflin is out for an extended period, the Orioles will likely fill his spot in the rotation with righty Dean Kremer, who was optioned to the Minors on the final day of Spring Training in Sarasota, Fla., on March 21. Kremer made his first start for Triple-A Norfolk on Friday and is eligible to be called up next Thursday (or sooner, if he is replacing an injured player on Baltimore's 26-man roster).