The Baltimore Orioles made a splash at the MLB trade deadline by grabbing Zach Eflin, who quickly became one of their most valuable players.
However, just as the team is gearing up for a playoff run, Eflin has landed on the injured list with a shoulder issue.
Now, the big question is: Can the Orioles maintain their momentum without one of their key pitchers?
- The Orioles made a major trade by bringing in pitcher Zach Eflin to improve their chances of winning the World Series.
- Eflin’s quick success showed why he was so valuable, but his recent injury has made things tricky as the team pushes for the playoffs.
- With several key pitchers injured, the Orioles need their remaining pitchers to step up during this critical time.
How the Orioles’ Trade for Zach Eflin Changed Everything
The Baltimore Orioles have made a name for themselves as a team that knows how to build a competitive roster.
This year’s MLB trade deadline was no different, as they boldly decided to trade for starting pitcher Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Orioles gave up three prospects, including their no. 10 and no. 17 prospects, to get Eflin, which shows how serious they are about chasing a World Series title despite the high cost.
Eflin’s Immediate Impact on the Team
Since coming to the Orioles, Zach Eflin has shown exactly why they wanted him so badly. With a perfect 4-0 record and a low 2.13 ERA, he’s quickly become a key part of the Orioles’ starting rotation.
Remarkably, Zach Eflin made franchise history with the Orioles – he became the first pitcher to record at least 25 strikeouts while issuing two or fewer walks in his first four starts with the team.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today made a point about the trade, saying no player acquired at this year’s deadline has been as valuable to their team as Zach Eflin has been to the Orioles.
With Eflin on board, the Orioles’ pitching staff looks stronger than ever, so they have a great shot at a deep playoff run.
The team’s management, led by general manager Mike Elias, has been aggressive in going after the players they need to turn the Orioles into serious World Series contenders.
So, it’s no secret that getting Eflin is part of the Oriole’s broader plan to build a successful team for the present and the future.
Eflin’s Injury and What It Means for the Orioles
Unfortunately, the excitement around Eflin’s arrival hit a snag when the Orioles announced that he was on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation.
And this couldn’t have come at a worse time, with the Orioles fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Eflin, who was supposed to start in a game against the New York Mets, felt soreness in his shoulder after a recent game against the Boston Red Sox.
Though the team was hopeful he could still make his next start, after testing his shoulder, they decided it was better to play it safe and give him time to heal.
Manager Brandon Hyde is optimistic that Eflin won’t be out for long, saying, “We’re optimistic that he’s going to be able to not miss much time after the IL, if any. But it’s a big loss. He’s pitched great for us. And hopefully, we’ll have him in September.”
It’s unfortunate, as the Orioles’ pitching lineup has already been hit hard by injuries, so losing Eflin right now is tough.
They’re already missing several key pitchers, including Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells, and John Means, who are all out with various injuries.
This leaves the Orioles’ rotation stretched thin, and they’ll need other pitchers to step up while Eflin is out.
Moving Forward Without Eflin
To fill in for Eflin, the Orioles have called up left-hander Cade Povich, their top pitching prospect, from Triple-A Norfolk.
Povich recently had a strong game against the Red Sox, but because of his recent pitching schedule, he won’t be able to take over Eflin’s spot in the rotation immediately.
Thus, it’s likely that the Orioles might need to get creative, possibly using a bullpen game to cover Eflin’s starts.
Sure, losing Eflin is a big hit, but the Orioles are hoping he’ll be back soon to help with their playoff push.
In the meantime, they’ll rely on their other pitchers, like Corbin Burnes, Dean Kremer, Albert Suárez, Trevor Rogers, and Povich, to keep them in the game.
Manager Hyde acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying, “The games aren’t going to stop and wait for guys. We have to have guys step up. And other teams are having similar issues to what we’re having also. Hopefully, we can get these guys back healthy in September – a few of them at least – and keep going.”
With the season winding down, the Orioles need their pitchers to stay healthy and on top of their game.
After trading for Zach Eflin, the team initially saw improvements, but his injury quickly showcased just how unpredictable baseball can be.
Nevertheless, the Orioles remain a strong contender, and their journey to the World Series will hinge on how they handle these challenges in the coming weeks.
