Shoulder Fatigue Strikes Again: Orioles Veteran Starter Latest to Face Injury Concerns
During the Baltimore Orioles’ 5-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night, veteran starter Zach Eflin’s early exit due to shoulder fatigue became the latest pitching injury to raise concerns for a Baltimore squad already dealing with a depleted rotation. Eflin, who threw six efficient innings of one-run ball on just 73 pitches, was pulled from the game as a precaution after manager Brandon Hyde noticed a drop in the 31-year-old’s velocity in the sixth inning. Following the game, Hyde remained optimistic but cautious, as the Orioles await testing results expected Tuesday. While both Hyde and Eflin expressed hope that the fatigue does not signal a long-term setback, Eflin’s health has become a critical focal point for a team that has already suffered pitching injuries over the past year, including Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish, who remain sidelined.
The importance Zach Eflin brings to Baltimore’s starting rotation can’t be overstated, especially with Grayson Rodriguez sidelined and former ace Corbin Burnes having departed for the Diamondbacks in free agency. Since being acquired from the AL East rival Tampa Bay Rays at last year’s trade deadline, Eflin has remained a reliable presence at the top of the Orioles’ rotation. Serving as the team’s de facto ace to start the 2025 season, the 10th-year starter has picked up right where he left off, delivering three straight quality starts while posting a 2-1 record, a 3.00 ERA, and an impressive 0.83 WHIP across 18 innings pitched. Monday’s outing, in which he outdueled Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen, further showcased Eflin’s value as one of the league’s most effective arms to start the year. However, given his past durability concerns, including a stint on the IL last season due to right shoulder inflammation, any sign of injury is a cause for concern in Baltimore.
The implications of Eflin’s shoulder fatigue go well beyond his individual performance, as the Orioles’ rotation has already been stretched dangerously thin. With swingman Albert Suárez landing on the 60-day IL on Monday, Baltimore continues to face mounting pressure to find reliable arms. If Eflin’s injury turns out to be more serious than initially believed, the team may be forced to turn to unproven options like Cade Povich or aging veterans such as Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, each carrying their own set of risks. For a team with playoff aspirations and an explosive offense capable of competing at a high level, losing their top starter for any length of time could significantly impact their chances in a stacked AL East. As Eflin undergoes further testing, both Orioles fans and team management will anxiously await news on his condition.
