The Baltimore Orioles confirmed on Tuesday that starting pitcher Zach Eflin and closer Felix Bautista will miss the remainder of the season due to significant health issues, interim manager Tony Mansolino announced. Eflin is scheduled to undergo a lumbar microdiscectomy procedure, effectively ending his 2025 campaign, while Bautista is dealing with a major shoulder injury that remains under evaluation.
Bautista’s Shoulder Injury Poses Uncertain Future for Orioles’ Closer
Felix Bautista’s situation is particularly concerning as he had returned this season from Tommy John surgery, initially missing all of 2024. Despite strong performances with a 2.60 ERA over 34 2/3 innings pitched, several warning signs have emerged in his pitching metrics. Previously averaging a 99.5 mph four-seam fastball, Bautista has abandoned that pitch this season in favor of a slower sinker, which averages 97.2 mph. Additionally, his control has deteriorated, reflected in a sharp increase in his walk rate from 11% in 2023 to 16.2% this year.
Mansolino emphasized that no decision has been made regarding surgery for Bautista’s shoulder, with further expert opinions scheduled to clarify the injury’s severity. The Orioles hope Bautista can use the offseason to rehabilitate and return fully healthy for the 2026 season. However, the team‘s immediate priority remains thorough diagnosis and treatment planning as the injury’s impact is still unfolding.
Despite his injury concerns, Bautista remains a valuable asset for the Orioles, controlled by the organization through the 2027 season. Having amassed four years of major league service time by the end of this season, his current $1 million salary will increase through arbitration. Even if Bautista’s recovery delays his participation in Opening Day 2026, Baltimore appears poised to retain him, considering his value and affordability for the next season as well.
Season Cut Short for Eflin Amid Struggles and Injury Setbacks
Zach Eflin’s 2025 season has been severely compromised by persistent back and lat injuries, leading to the decision for surgery that concludes his year prematurely. The 31-year-old right-hander is in the final season of a lucrative three-year, $40 million contract, originally signed with the Tampa Bay Rays. His career with the Orioles began with solid performances, recording a 3.54 ERA across 353 innings in the first two years of the contract. However, in 2025, limited to just 14 appearances, Eflin has posted a 5.93 ERA in 71 1/3 innings, marking the worst phase of his career since his early days with the Philadelphia Phillies.
This latest setback is particularly difficult as Eflin approaches free agency. With his contract expiring at season‘s end and no defined timeline for recovery after his back surgery, he faces uncertainty when entering the market again. Turning 32 in April, Eflin is relatively young for a player in free agency for the second time but may expect to secure only a short-term deal. Such a contract would focus on proving his health before potentially pursuing a more substantial agreement the following winter.
Implications for Orioles as Season Concludes
The loss of two crucial pitchers—Bautista and Eflin—delivers a significant blow to Baltimore’s roster and bullpen depth. Bautista’s high-velocity sinker and closing ability had been vital for the Orioles’ late innings, while Eflin’s starting role has been inconsistent due to injuries this year. The team must now explore alternatives and adjust rosters for the final stretch of the regular season. Looking ahead, Bautista’s long-term contract control provides the Orioles with some stability, even if the immediate outlook remains unclear.
For Eflin, recovering fully from surgery will be critical to revitalizing his career. The timing and success of his rehabilitation will likely determine whether he lands a short-term contract to demonstrate his value or faces greater challenges in free agency. Both pitchers’ current situations underscore the fragility of player health and the impact of injuries on team strategy and player careers.