In a twist that the Baltimore Orioles certainly didn't see coming, the team has been hit with yet another setback to their already beleaguered pitching rotation. On Tuesday, they placed right-hander Zach Eflin on the 15-day injured list, a move that highlights the growing strain on their starting pitchers. This is yet another challenge for a team that's been battling injuries all season, with Eflin's absence serving as a significant blow to their roster.
Eflin, who was acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on July 26, had been nothing short of stellar since joining the Orioles. In just four starts, the 30-year-old had racked up a perfect 4-0 record with a dazzling 2.13 ERA. His performance on the mound was a major factor in the Orioles' recent success, including a commanding six-inning outing in a 5-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox last Thursday. But that game also hinted at trouble brewing. Eflin reportedly felt some soreness in his shoulder after that game, leading to the decision to place him on the injured list as a precautionary measure.
For Orioles fans, this news is a bitter pill to swallow. Just when it seemed like the team had found some stability in their rotation, they're forced to reshuffle once again. Eflin was originally slated to start Wednesday's series finale against the New York Mets, a game that now faces uncertainty as manager Brandon Hyde scrambles to adjust his lineup. "Everything’s in play for Wednesday," Hyde said, acknowledging the unpredictability that has become all too common for the Orioles this season. He added that ace Corbin Burnes, who last pitched on Friday, won't be available for the start either, further complicating matters.
The Orioles have been no strangers to adversity this season, particularly when it comes to their starting pitchers. Eflin's injury marks the sixth time a Baltimore starter has landed on the injured list this year, a situation that would be devastating for any team, let alone one with playoff aspirations. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to stay competitive, a testament to the depth and resilience of their roster.
Hyde, ever the optimist, remains hopeful that Eflin's stint on the injured list will be a short one. "He’s been great for us," Hyde said, expressing confidence that the right-hander could return to action in September. However, the uncertainty surrounding Eflin's shoulder raises questions about how effective he will be upon his return, and whether the Orioles can afford to wait for him to recover fully.
In a proactive move, the Orioles have called up rookie left-hander Cade Povich from Triple-A Norfolk to fill the void left by Eflin. Povich, who has made nine starts for Baltimore this season, has shown promise, including a solid performance last Saturday against the Red Sox where he allowed just two runs over 6 1/3 innings. But relying on a rookie to shoulder the load in a critical part of the season is a risky proposition, even for a team as resilient as the Orioles.
This season has been a stark contrast to last year when the Orioles' rotation was the model of consistency. In 2023, five pitchers made at least 20 starts for Baltimore, a key factor in their impressive 101-61 record and AL East title. But as Hyde pointed out, the injury bug has bitten hard this year. "We got pretty fortunate the last couple of years," Hyde admitted, reflecting on the team's recent run of good health. "This year, we’re getting hit with the injury bug a little bit. It happens."
Indeed, injuries are part and parcel of the game, and how a team responds to them often separates the contenders from the pretenders. The Orioles are at a crossroads. With Eflin out and Burnes' availability in question, Hyde and his coaching staff will need to get creative to keep their playoff hopes alive. The games won't stop, and neither can the Orioles. "We have to have guys step up," Hyde emphasized, a sentiment that will likely resonate throughout the clubhouse in the coming weeks.
One thing is clear: the Orioles can't afford to dwell on their misfortune. With the playoff race heating up, every game counts, and they’ll need contributions from everyone on the roster to stay in the hunt. The next few weeks will be a true test of their mettle, and how they navigate this latest challenge could define their season.
In the meantime, fans will be holding their breath, hoping that Eflin's injury is nothing more than a minor setback and that Burnes can continue to anchor the rotation. But even if those stars align, the Orioles will need to dig deep to overcome the obstacles in their path. As Hyde aptly put it, "Games aren’t going to stop to wait for guys." The Orioles will need to prove that they can keep pace, no matter who takes the mound.
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