Orioles’ Zach Eflin removed after one inning with back tightness

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin was removed after one inning of work vs. the Tampa Bay Rays due to lower back tightness, according to the team.
Eflin allowed four runs — all earned — on five this and a long home run to Jonathan Aranda while throwing 28 pitches at Camden Yards. Scott Blewett relieved him to start the second inning.
After a pair of solid starts to open the season, the veteran right-hander went to the IL with a low-grade lat strain on April 9. He returned on May 11 and got the win in a 7-3 victory at the Los Angeles Angels. His ERA stood at 3.13 at that point.
Including today’s abbreviated appearance, Eflin has made eight starts since and his ERA has ballooned to 5.95. He has struggled terribly in last three appearances, allowing 17 earned runs on 27 hits and six home runs in nine innings of work.
Eflin is a pending free agent after the 2025 season.