The Baltimore Orioles placed right-hander Zach Eflin on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, adding to their already strained pitching rotation.
Eflin was originally scheduled to start Wednesday’s game against the New York Mets, but after throwing six strong innings in a 5-1 victory over Boston on Thursday night, he developed shoulder soreness, according to manager Brandon Hyde.
Eflin, 30, has been outstanding since joining the Orioles from Tampa Bay on July 26, boasting a 4-0 record and a 2.13 ERA in four starts.
Hyde is hopeful that Eflin’s stint on the injured list will be brief. “He’s been fantastic for us,” Hyde said. “We’re hoping to have him back in September.” Hyde also noted that ace Corbin Burnes, who pitched on Friday, won’t be available for Wednesday’s start. “Everything’s up in the air for (Wednesday),” Hyde said. “We’re still figuring it out.” To cover for Eflin, the Orioles have recalled rookie left-hander Cade Povich from Triple-A Norfolk. Povich has made nine starts for Baltimore, including Saturday, when he allowed two runs over 6 1/3 innings against the Red Sox.
Eflin is the sixth Orioles starter to land on the injured list, with Burnes being the only pitcher from the opening-day rotation to remain with the team all season.
Last season, the Orioles had five pitchers make at least 20 starts, finishing with a 101-61 record and clinching the AL East title for the first time since 2014.
“We’ve been pretty lucky the past couple of years,” Hyde said. “This year, the injury bug has caught up with us a bit. It happens. We just have to keep pushing forward. The games aren’t going to wait for anyone. We need guys to step up.”