Orioles Activate Zach Eflin, Secure Series Win Over Angels

The Baltimore Orioles have activated right-hander Zach Eflin from the injured list ahead of their game against the Los Angeles Angels, marking his return after a monthlong absence due to a lat strain. Eflin, who had posted a 3.00 ERA in three starts before his injury, pitched five innings allowing two runs in the Orioles' 7-3 victory, helping stabilize a struggling rotation that has been among the worst in baseball since his injury. Backup catcher Maverick Handley contributed with his first two career RBIs, while Matthew Lugo hit his first career homer for the Angels. The Orioles' rotation has struggled significantly in Eflin's absence, posting a 9-18 record and the worst FIP in baseball, highlighting the importance of his return. Despite his strong return, the Orioles still require additional reinforcements to improve their playoff chances, as only Eflin and Tomoyuki Sugano have provided reliable starting pitching. The team hopes Eflin's return will help reverse their recent poor performance and provide much-needed stability in their pitching staff.