BALTIMORE -- Zach Eflin’s 2026 season is over after only one start.
Eflin underwent Tommy John (UCL reconstruction) surgery on his right elbow on Wednesday, the Orioles announced. After undergoing imaging, the 32-year-old right-hander received a second opinion on his injured right elbow during a visit with Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas on Tuesday, as it was then decided Eflin would get the procedure, which was performed by Meister.
It’s an unfortunate development for Eflin, whose 2025 season was marred by injuries. He was placed on the injured list three times last year and didn’t pitch after July 28, as he underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy (back surgery) on Aug. 18.
On Dec. 28, Baltimore re-signed Eflin to a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $10 million that featured a mutual option for the 2027 season. At the time, it wasn’t known whether Eflin would be built up quickly enough to be ready to go for the start of the ‘26 campaign.
But Eflin had a strong Spring Training, pitching 7 1/3 scoreless innings over two Grapefruit League starts. The O’s saw enough from the righty to include him on their Opening Day roster, and he made his season debut on March 31 vs. the Rangers at Camden Yards.
Eflin allowed one run in 3 2/3 innings against Texas and collected seven strikeouts before experiencing discomfort in his elbow in the fourth. Eflin’s 74th pitch was a 75.8 mph curveball that prompted his removal, as he exited the field with head athletic trainer Scott Barringer.
This is the first time Eflin has had an elbow injury during his 11-year MLB career, which featured previous stints with the Phillies (2016-22) and the Rays (2023-24). He was traded from Tampa Bay to Baltimore at the 2024 Trade Deadline and had a 2.60 ERA in nine starts for the O’s that year after the move.
Eflin had a 5.93 ERA over 14 starts in 2025, though he often didn’t feel fully healthy. He appeared poised for a bounce-back ‘26 before sustaining the elbow injury.
Now, Eflin could have an uncertain future, as he may become a free agent after the season. He’s also likely to begin next year on the IL as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.