With the MLB trade deadline scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. EST, the Baltimore Orioles are actively reshaping their roster. The focus keyword, Zach Eflin Baltimore Orioles trade, has gained new relevance as the veteran pitcher has been placed on the injured list due to recurring back problems, casting doubt on his immediate availability for potential deals.
Recent Transactions Have Shaken Orioles Bullpen and Utility Positions
Leading up to the deadline, the Orioles have executed five trades, significantly affecting their bullpen. Relief pitchers Bryan Baker, Gregory Soto, Seranthony Dominguez, and Andrew Kittredge were all traded away, alongside longtime utility player Ramon Urias, who was sent to the Houston Astros. These moves signal a commitment to restructuring ahead of the season’s final stretch.
Zach Eflin’s Injury Clouds His Trade Prospects
Reports from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports reveal that Zach Eflin is now on the injured list due to back discomfort, marking his third such stint this season. Nightengale tweeted,
“Orioles starter Zach Eflin, who’s expected to be traded today, now goes on the IL with back discomfort for the third time this season.”
—Bob Nightengale, Sports Journalist
This latest injury follows earlier periods sidelined for a lat strain in April and lower back pain in June. Despite these setbacks, Rosenthal indicates Eflin is projected to return before the regular season concludes.
Eflin’s Performance and Trade Outlook
After joining Baltimore from the Tampa Bay Rays ahead of last year’s trade deadline, Eflin has struggled to replicate his previous form in 2025. Limited to just 14 starts this season, he has posted a 5.93 ERA over 71.1 innings with 50 strikeouts in an injury-affected campaign. Still, his playoff experience as both starter and reliever gives him appeal for teams pursuing postseason success.
While the injury raises uncertainty, insiders remain cautiously optimistic about the possibility of Eflin being traded despite his current condition.
Implications for Orioles’ Trade Strategy and Next Steps
Zach Eflin’s placement on the injured list complicates the Orioles’ trading plans, which have been aggressive in offloading bullpen assets and addressing positional depth. His back issues cast a shadow over potential deals as contending teams weigh the risks of acquiring an injured starter. However, the Orioles may still find options for Eflin before the deadline, influencing how the organization balances immediate needs with long-term rebuilding efforts.
With the deadline ticking closer, Baltimore’s decisions regarding Eflin and other players will be pivotal in shaping their roster for the remainder of the 2025 MLB season.