Orioles Activate Zach Eflin From Injured List for Guardians Start

The Baltimore Orioles have struggled throughout the 2025 season, falling below .500 and facing the likelihood of selling veteran players at the trade deadline. Zach Eflin, a key starting pitcher for Baltimore who returned from a back injury recently, is considered a prime trade candidate, with predictions suggesting he will be traded to the San Diego Padres. Eflin was reactivated from the injured list after nearly a month sidelined with lower-back discomfort and delivered a solid performance in his first start back, allowing two runs over five innings while striking out five. Despite his recent struggles this season, his prior success with the Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays makes him attractive trade bait as Baltimore looks to rebuild. The team’s overall poor performance has shifted expectations from playoff contention to potential roster changes, including moving Eflin and outfielder Mullins. Eflin’s workload remains somewhat limited as he works back to full strength, but his status as a trade candidate highlights the Orioles' shift toward a rebuilding phase.