Zach Eflin Exits Game Due to Lower Back Discomfort
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin was removed from the game after only one inning in Saturday’s 11-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays due to lower back discomfort, the team reported.
Eflin allowed four runs, all earned, the product of five hits, including a home run by Jonathan Aranda, with 28 pitches thrown at Camden Yards. Scott Blewett came in to relieve him at the start of the second inning.
After a couple of solid starts by Eflin at the beginning of the season, the experienced right-handed pitcher was placed on the injured list on April 9 due to a low-grade back strain. He returned on May 11 and earned the win in a 7-3 victory against the Los Angeles Angels. His ERA was 3.13 at that time. Including Saturday’s abbreviated appearance, Eflin has made eight starts since then and his ERA has risen to 5.95.
The pitcher has struggled in his last three appearances, allowing 17 earned runs on 27 hits and six home runs in nine innings.
Eflin will be a free agent after the 2025 season.
