Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin leaves game with shoulder fatigue after six strong innings

PHOENIX (AP) — Zach Eflin’s great night on the mound had a sour ending Monday after the Baltimore Orioles right-hander left a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks with shoulder fatigue.

Eflin gave up just one run on four hits over six innings but his velocity dipped in the sixth. The 30-year-old mentioned the fatigue to manager Brandon Hyde between innings, which was enough to shut him down for the evening.

The Orioles beat the Diamondbacks 5-1. Eflin threw 73 pitches.

“We’re going to get some tests done, and hopefully, keeping our fingers crossed, everything’s OK there,” Hyde said. “Because he was absolutely cruising and so efficient.

“We’re hoping for the best tomorrow.”

Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin leaves game with shoulder fatigue after six strong innings | iNFOnews.ca — Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of a baseball game Monday, April 7, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Eflin said he was “pretty optimistic” the issue wouldn’t be a long-term setback. He is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA through three starts this season.

The Orioles have already lost key reliever Albert Suárez for a couple of months after the right-hander was moved to the 60-day injured list on Monday with a shoulder injury.

Eflin was 5-2 with a 2.60 ERA over nine starts for the Orioles last season after being acquired at the trade deadline in a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.