Zach Eflin's return comes at critical point in Orioles' season

Zach Eflin's return won't fix all of the Baltimore Orioles' problems. But for a team that desperately needs a shot in the arm, Eflin's ability to lead the rotation could provide a spark.

After the O's were swept by the Twins out in Minnesota, Baltimore heads further west to Anaheim for a three-game set against the Angels. Eflin is expected to hit the hill on Sunday, according to MASN's Roch Kubatko.

Eflin has been the model of consistency to kick off the 2025 season. In his first three starts of the year, the right-hander completed six innings in each outing. Only six runners crossed home plate in those 18 innings, and the veteran walked just one batter.

That consistency is just what the Orioles have been missing.

Take the last three series as a microcosm of the O's struggles this year. In six of the nine games, Baltimore surrendered five or fewer earned runs. That, at least, will give you the chance to win the ballgame, which the Orioles did in three of those occurrences. However, in the other three games, Baltimore allowed a whopping 35 runs. They are, of course, winless in those games. When Eflin is on the mound, barring a disastrous day from the bullpen, those games won't happen.

The Orioles might have life with Zach Eflin's return

Eflin will lead a rotation that showed some signs of life in its last go-around. Dean Kremer has tossed back-to-back gems, completing seven innings in each start. Tomoyuki Sugano has been solid all season, showcasing his elite command and ability to induce soft contact. Kyle Gibson's second start wasn't perfect, but it was certainly better than the four first-inning home runs he surrendered in his first outing. Cade Povich had a rough go in his last outing, but he's kept the O's in games in the majority of his starts.

The Orioles will need a lot more of that stability if they hope to turn their season around. Eflin's unflappable approach has seemingly given Baltimore's lineup more confidence in games that he's started, as the O's have plated 17 runs in his three starts. Knowing you have a stud on the mound tends to alleviate some pressure.

Baltimore's lineup will need to get going if the O's are going to start winning more baseball games. But having your best starter on the hill will certainly help matters.

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