As the Baltimore Orioles look to avoid a series sweep, they will activate their newest acquisition, Zach Eflin. One of the best teams in the American League, the Orioles are not playing like a legitimate World Series contender. Between defensive miscues, mistakes on the mound, and a struggling offense, Baltimore is scuffling in just about every facet of the game. The Orioles activate Eflin as they look to avoid being swept at home for the first time since 2021.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/N3W2VVGGsi
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 28, 2024
A former divisional rival, Eflin was acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. Finishing sixth in American League Cy Young voting in 2023, Eflin has a 4.09 ERA through 19 starts this season. A nine-year veteran, the 30-year-old righty owns a 4.26 ERA in 177 career games (165 starts). He posted a 3.38 ERA over 10 relief appearances during the Philadelphia Phillies’ World Series run in 2022. Eflin also drew the start for Tampa Bay in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series last season.
Orioles Activate Newly Acquired Starter Zach Eflin
Not only does Eflin bolster the Orioles rotation this season, but the righty is also under contract through the end of 2025. Considering the uncertain timelines for starters Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells following season-ending elbow surgeries, he should provide a much-needed boost. Eflin will join ace Corbin Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez atop the Orioles rotation. He will wear the No. 24 and is expected to make his Orioles debut against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. In a corresponding move, reliever Bryan Baker was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.
Baltimore has lost 10 of their last 14 games and 12 of 18. The Orioles are 8-12 in July and lead the New York Yankees by one game in the AL East. In addition to Eflin, the Orioles have also acquired reliever Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache from the Phillies. With Tuesday’s trade deadline approaching, Baltimore is far from done as they look to end their 40-year World Series drought.
“Super excited. I’ve heard nothing but incredible things about this locker room,” Eflin said about joining the Orioles. “You see the youth, how much the guys care about each other, how hard they play — it’s something we’ve always admired in Tampa.”
Photo Credit: © Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
