Zach Eflin has officially been named the Baltimore Orioles’ Opening Day starter for the 2025 season, a decision that was announced to him by his wife and four children, including his newborn son Hayden.
Eflin, who was acquired by the Orioles in mid-2024, has proven to be a reliable presence in the starting rotation. After injuries to Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish, the top options to take the bump on Opening Day on the O’s roster, Eflin has been given the nod by manager Brandon Hyde.
Let’s take a little time to break down his 2024 season and 2025 spring training statistics thus far.
Eflin’s 2024 Season: A strong addition to the rotation
After being traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Orioles in July for prospects Matthew Etzel, Jackson Baumeister and Mac Horvath, Eflin quickly made a name for himself in Baltimore.
His experience, coupled with his ability to perform under pressure, allowed him to thrive in his new environment. In his 11 starts for the Orioles in the second half, Eflin posted a 5-2 record, boasting a 2.60 ERA in 55.1 innings pitched. His ability to limit walks was a standout feature, as he only issued 11 across those innings.
One of Eflin’s most notable accomplishments was his ability to keep games close, providing the team with an opportunity to win each time he took the mound. In 165.1 total innings pitched during the 2024 season, Eflin highlighted his ability to punch out hitters with 134 strikeouts. Eflin’s 1.15 WHIP also indicated his efficiency during the 2024 campaign.
2025 Spring Training: Don’t mind the stats
While spring training numbers are often not fully indicative of a player’s regular season performance, Eflin’s 2025 spring training campaign has definitely gotten off to a slow start.
In Grapefruit League play, Eflin has posted a 7.71 ERA over 4.2 innings pitched. While this might raise some concerns, it’s important to remember that spring training is often a time for pitchers to work on their mechanics, try out new pitches and refine their approach.
The high ERA doesn’t tell the whole story; Eflin is focused on sharpening his craft and preparing for the regular season.
The Opening Day nod for a starter is always a special honor, and for Eflin, it’s a well-earned recognition of his hard work and effectiveness on the mound.
As the Orioles look to build on their success from the previous season, Eflin will play a crucial role in leading the team from the jump, especially as the club aims to get healthy in their rotation with the looming returns of Rodriguez, Bradish and Tyler Wells.
While his spring stats may not fully reflect his potential, Eflin’s consistent success in 2024 and his proven ability to step up when needed make him the ideal candidate for the Orioles’ Opening Day starter.
The Birds are placing their trust in Eflin’s ability to set the tone for the season ahead, and there’s every reason to believe that he will rise to the occasion once again in 2025 to help the team make a deep run with him at the top of the rotation.
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