Zach Eflin's return to the mound for the Baltimore Orioles was supposed to be a triumphant one. Fresh off a quicker-than-expected recovery from back surgery, Eflin dazzled early, striking out seven and allowing just a single run.
But just as he was navigating a tricky fourth inning, an abrupt elbow injury forced him from the game. The Orioles have already planned to place him on the 15-day IL, pending further imaging to confirm the extent of the damage.
In response, the Orioles are turning to Albert Suarez, a familiar face who shined for the team in 2024. After an injury-plagued 2025, Suarez is back and ready to bolster the bullpen, especially crucial after recent overuse due to Chris Bassitt's struggles and Eflin’s unexpected exit.
Looking ahead, when Eflin's spot in the rotation comes up again, Dean Kremer is expected to step in. Kremer, a reliable presence over the past four years with a steady 4.00 ERA, offers the Orioles some much-needed stability.
If Eflin’s injury sidelines him for an extended period, Kremer’s experience will be invaluable. However, the depth behind Kremer is concerning.
Cade Povich and Brandon Young are next in line, but their track records suggest they’re not ready for prime time. While capable of the occasional strong performance, relying on them for long stretches could spell trouble for the Orioles.
It's only the first week of the season, but the Orioles' pitching strategy is already under scrutiny. Kyle Bradish's velocity dip and Chris Bassitt’s rough start add to the growing concerns.
If these issues persist and lead to another disappointing season, the pressure will mount on President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias to address the team's pitching woes. The Orioles need to stabilize their rotation quickly, or they could find themselves in a precarious position as the season unfolds.