BALTIMORE (AP) — Zach Eflin has been just the boost Baltimore’s beleaguered rotation needed.
Eflin has thrown four straight quality starts since the Orioles acquired him from Tampa Bay before the trade deadline, and he’s also won them all. The latest was a six-inning performance in Thursday night’s 5-1 victory over Boston in which Eflin struck out a season-high eight.
“You’re kind of forced to be comfortable this late in the season, especially in the middle of a pennant chase,” Eflin said. “Baseball never stops, so you’ve got to come in ready to go.”
The Orioles made several additions at the deadline, particularly to their pitching staff. Starter Trevor Rogers and reliever Gregory Soto have had their struggles, but Eflin and reliever Seranthony Domínguez have made good contributions.
Eflin has a 2.13 ERA since joining the Orioles — and he’s under team control next year as well. That made him an enticing trade target.
“He’s just such a pro,” Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde said. “He’s pitched in World Series games, so he’s been in high-pressure situations before. He’s got a real easy way about him and is really likeable. It doesn’t seem like there’s a ton of stress out there.”
Eflin pitched in the World Series with Philadelphia in 2022, and at age 30 is experienced compared to a number of the Orioles. The Baltimore rotation lost Kyle Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells to season-ending injuries, and right-hander Grayson Rodriguez is on the injured list with a lat issue.
The Orioles can still lean on ace Corbin Burnes, but the starts they’ve received from Eflin and Dean Kremer over the past two games have been a welcome development. Like Eflin, Kremer allowed just one run in six innings in a win Wednesday night.
“Everybody has been so welcoming, so great,” Eflin said. “It’s a really fun team to be a part of, so that’s definitely helped a lot.”
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