Former Rays ace starter rejoins last place Orioles in desperate time of need

The AL East standings haven't exactly gone as projected on one end of the spectrum. Were the Yankees expected to finish in first place? Yes. Were the Red Sox expected to threaten them from a close distance? It was more than likely. Those assumptions have played out thus far. However, it was not anticipated that the Baltimore Orioles would be in dead last. The Rays former ace on the mound will now rejoin this struggling Orioles club with the hopes to aid in a revival of their awful pitching start.

Zach Eflin will rejoin the Orioles rotation after recovery from lat injury

Not only was Zach Elfin the Rays former ace when Shane McClanahan was absent for a season, but he's likely the Orioles current ace starter with the way their 2025 rotation has unfolded. In four starts so far this season, Eflin is 3-1 with a consistent 3.13 ERA. That solid track record is exactly what makes the 31-year old such a reliable hurler.

In his days with the Rays and the Phillies, he never blew up the radar gun or produced incredible statistics. The right-handed starter just piled up quality starts and helped his team win, which is something the Orioles desperately need.

Zach Elfin's best season in a Rays uniform came in 2023 when the Orlando native did actually put up fantastic overall numbers. In 177.2 innings, Eflin went 16-8 with a 3.50 ERA and 186 strikeouts. He led the American League in wins that season, helping the Rays to a 99-win campaign. However, the former Ray was held off of the All-Star game roster, a goal that he has yet to reach in his 10-year career. It seems that Eflin prefers to remain under the radar though, as it keeps opponents on their toes.

The Orioles hold a miserable 15-24 record and are eight games back of the first place Yankees. They are currently 28th among all MLB teams with a 5.55 starting pitcher ERA. Only the Marlins and 7-34 Rockies have a worse team ERA, which doubtless can be credited towards their lack of success. Although, if Rays fans know anything about their former workhorse starter, it's his ability to help a club come out victorious.