Zach Eflin underwent Tommy John surgery on his 32nd birthday, ending a season that began with a promising 3⅔‑inning, seven‑strikeout effort against Texas. The right‑hander left the mound after allowing just one run, but an elbow injury forced him to the operating table Wednesday. He told reporters he feels better than he has in years. He departed that debut with seven strikeouts, one run and five hits, a glimpse of the rotation role Baltimore hoped he would fill.

Last year Eflin posted a 6‑5 record with a 5.93 ERA over 14 starts, missing time three times on the IL and seeing his season cut short by back trouble in late July. The Orioles re‑signed him in December on a one‑year, $10 million contract that carries a $25 million mutual option for 2027 with a $2 million buyout. His two spring‑training outings produced 7⅓ scoreless innings, reinforcing the optimism.

Veteran right‑hander brings 201 career appearances and a 4.28 career ERA to a rotation that struggled for consistency. Eflin hopes to spend the summer in Baltimore, focusing on rehab with the aim of returning for the 2027 campaign. His early surgery gives the club a clear timeline for roster planning. Overall, his 68‑67 record and 4.28 ERA rank him as a reliable, if unspectacular, back‑end starter.