Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Wednesday, ending his 2026 season after exiting his debut early with discomfort. The 32-year-old right-hander received a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas before the procedure performed by the same doctor. The Orioles announced the news.
The Baltimore Orioles announced that Zach Eflin underwent UCL reconstruction surgery on his right elbow, performed by Dr. Keith Meister. This followed discomfort that forced his early exit from his season debut on March 31 against the Texas Rangers at Camden Yards, as detailed in prior coverage. It marks Eflin's first elbow injury in his 11-year MLB career, spanning the Philadelphia Phillies (2016-2022), Tampa Bay Rays (2023-2024), and Baltimore after a 2024 trade deadline deal where he posted a 2.60 ERA in nine starts. His 2025 season was limited by injuries, including three IL stints, no pitching after July 28, and a lumbar microdiscectomy on August 18. Eflin re-signed with the Orioles on December 28 for a one-year, $10 million deal with a mutual 2027 option, impressing in spring training with 7 1/3 scoreless innings over two outings to earn an Opening Day spot. With Tommy John recovery typically taking about a year, Eflin could begin 2027 on the injured list and faces free agency after the season.