The Baltimore Orioles are looking to a former starting rotation player to take over for the injured Zack Eflin.
According to the Baltimore Banner, the Baltimore Orioles will promote left-handed pitcher Cole Irvin to start Wednesday afternoon’s game against the New York Mets. This decision comes after the Orioles placed Zach Eflin on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. Eflin’s injury marks the fifth starting pitcher the Orioles have put on the IL this season, with three of them being out for the rest of the year.
It’s a stroke of luck that Irvin is still with the organization.
He started the season in the rotation but was moved to the bullpen as the rotation regained its strength. When Eflin’s injury necessitated a roster move, the Orioles designated Irvin for assignment on July 30.
Thankfully, Irvin cleared waivers, wasn’t traded, and chose to accept an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. Now, he will travel to New York and pitch for Baltimore with six days’ rest. If all goes well, he could remain in the rotation for the next few starts.
This season in the Majors, Irvin posted a 6-5 record with a 4.85 ERA in 21 games (14 starts), recording 66 strikeouts and 21 walks over 94.2 innings.
It’s uncertain how long Irvin will stay in the MLB. If Eflin returns after the 15-day stint on the injured list, the Orioles can’t just send Irvin back to Triple-A Norfolk. Since Irvin is out of minor-league options, Baltimore would have to designate him for assignment again, hope he clears waivers once more, and then hope he agrees to return to the minors.
Irvin was acquired by the Orioles via trade from the Oakland Athletics before the 2023 season. He had a 1-4 record in 24 games with Baltimore and was later sent to Triple-A Norfolk that year.
Before joining the Orioles, Irvin pitched as a starter for the Philadelphia Phillies (2019-2020) and the Athletics (2021-2022). Over his career, he has compiled a record of 28-39 with a 4.48 ERA, 422 strikeouts, and 134 walks in 576.2 innings.
Eflin is now on the 15-day injured list alongside Grayson Rodriguez, who is not expected to return until September. Additionally, three other starters Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells are sidelined for the season due to surgeries and are not anticipated to return until at least midway through 2025.
The Orioles are also dealing with injuries among their relievers. Closer Félix Bautista is out for the season following Tommy John surgery last year, while Danny Coulombe and Jacob Webb are also on the injured list.
