This 2025 season was supposed to be a point where the Baltimore Orioles couldâve made a serious run for the ALCS and contend with the New York Yankees. Instead, the Orioles are feeling the pressure of their high preseason expectations with their roster and seeing stars go down with injuries. One of their starting pitchers, Zach Eflin, is the latest star to have their seasonâs hopes in jeopardy.
Eflin’s Bad Performance Explained
Eflin experienced significant back pain while throwing only 28 pitches in Saturdayâs 11-3 road loss to the divisional rival Tampa Bay Rays. In those limited pitches, Eflin allowed five hits and four runs, including a home run.Â
Many fans weren’t happy with Eflinâs performance in the game, but they were more disappointed with the fact that he was injured again. Orioles manager Tony Mansolino said that he is âtrending toward an ILâ which likely means, at least, 15 days to learn more about his back problems.Â
Eflin talked more about his back problems before Sundayâs final game series against the Rays. He talked about the discomfort he expressed that day and why Mansolino pulled him from the mound.Â
âI knew something wasnât right. I was able to deliver a pitch. Wasnât comfortable. It kind of gets to a point where, once you stop moving around, it just locks up and tightens up and then you canât really do much about it at that point. Just tried to keep moving as much as I could.â
Eflin’s Injury Comes At Another Bad Point of the Season
This is the second time this season that Eflin has been put on the IL. It has been a serious damper on his first full season in Baltimore after being traded from the Tampa Bay Rays. Eflin hasnât been great as one of the main starting pitchers for the Baltimore Orioles this season. In 12 games played, he has accounted for an ERA of 5.95 and delivered 42 strikeouts. Eflin has allowed 78 hits, 11 walks, and 42 runs.
Eflin being added to the IL puts the team in a bad situation. Cade Popovich and Charlie Morton are two other starting pitchers who are currently experiencing injuries that are keeping them out of the lineup. Even with the three pitchers healthy, theyâve been a problem at times, as their ERA is over 5.00. The Orioles are also experiencing injuries in the infield and the outfield.
ESPNâs Alden Gonzalez talked about several teams having up-and-down seasons before the All-Star Break. He didnât hold back when it came to Baltimore this season.
âThere is no bigger disappointment through this season’s first half than the Orioles, and it probably isn’t even close. They fired manager Brandon Hyde less than two months in.â
There isnât a lot for the organization or fans to be happy with this deep into the season. While it hasnât reached the All-Star Break, the Orioles are believed to be more sellers than buyers and improve their chances for a playoff spot. Baltimore entered Mondayâs new series against the Texas Rangers with an overall record of 36-47 and 11.5 games back from first place in the AL East Division.
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