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2w ago

Orioles Lose Eflin and Bautista for Rest of 2025 Season

Baltimore is relying on a bullpen committee along with stretched starters to navigate a season dominated by pitching injuries.

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Jun 30, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Felix Bautista (74) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images/File Photo
Jul 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin (24) delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • Both key pitchers—closer Félix Bautista and starter Zach Eflin—have been ruled out for the rest of the season, with Bautista facing significant shoulder inflammation and Eflin set for lumbar microdiscectomy.
  • Eflin’s pending surgery is likely to end his Orioles tenure, as he will become a free agent this winter after making just 14 starts and posting a 5.93 ERA.
  • These latest setbacks follow Grayson Rodriguez’s August elbow debridement surgery, leaving Baltimore without three top arms and intensifying a season-long rash of injuries.
  • Interim manager Tony Mansolino has implemented a closer-by-committee strategy, using Keegan Akin and other relievers in high-leverage roles to patch the bullpen.
  • The organization has begun stretching out Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells as emergency starters and recalling prospects as it shifts focus toward roster planning for the 2026 season.