Orioles Pitching Staff Endures Another Blow as Injury Forces Roster Shakeup
The Baltimore Orioles’ pitching staff took another serious hit this week as right-handed starter Zach Eflin was placed on the 15-day injured list with lower back discomfort, prompting yet another shuffle in a rotation that has already been plagued by injuries throughout the 2025 season.
Eflin’s placement on the IL is retroactive to June 29, following a rough outing against the Tampa Bay Rays in which he exited after allowing four earned runs in just one inning. The right-hander, who previously missed time earlier this season due to a lat strain, now faces another setback at a crucial juncture of the year.
In response to Eflin’s absence, the Orioles have recalled Brandon Young from Triple-A Norfolk. Young, a promising right-handed prospect, is expected to start Tuesday’s game against the Texas Rangers. Though he has shown flashes of potential, Young struggled in his previous major league appearances, posting a 7.11 ERA across two games before being optioned back to the minors on June 25.
This latest development compounds a deepening crisis in Baltimore’s rotation. The team is already without several key arms, including Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, Keegan Akin, Tyler Wells, and Cade Povich, all of whom are currently nursing various injuries. The mounting toll has forced the Orioles to rely heavily on their farm system and to piece together a makeshift starting rotation.
“We’re running thin,” said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde in a post-game interview. “It feels like every week we’re having to adjust and bring someone new up. It’s not ideal, but that’s where we are right now.”
Since June 21, Baltimore has averaged nearly one injury-related roster transaction per day, a staggering stat that underscores the volatility and strain on the team’s pitching infrastructure. The team’s front office has acknowledged the pressure, with General Manager Mike Elias noting that they are actively exploring external options, including potential trade targets, to stabilize the rotation ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
The timing of Eflin’s injury is particularly frustrating, as the Orioles had hoped to use his veteran presence and postseason experience to anchor the back half of their rotation during a tightly contested AL East race. Now, his back issues could not only sideline him for weeks but may also jeopardize any trade value he held if Baltimore had planned to flip him for depth in other areas.
Meanwhile, Brandon Young’s return offers both uncertainty and opportunity. The 25-year-old posted a 3.62 ERA in Triple-A this season and has shown flashes of dominance with his high-velocity fastball and deceptive off-speed mix. Tuesday’s start could be a pivotal moment in proving his readiness for a consistent major league role.
Despite the adversity, the Orioles remain above .500 and are still in the hunt for a wild card spot. However, continued injuries could quickly derail those postseason hopes unless reinforcements are found soon.
Up Next: The Orioles will look to bounce back Tuesday night in Texas with Young on the mound, hoping to snap a two-game losing skid and stabilize a battered rotation.
