Zach Eflin Targets Orioles’ Opening Day Rotation After Back Surgery: “I Feel Better Than I Ever Have”

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Zach Eflin is making an impressive recovery from major back surgery, and the 31-year-old veteran is already talking about competing for a spot in the Opening Day rotation for the 2026 season. After undergoing a lumbar microdiscectomy in August 2025, Eflin says he feels physically stronger and healthier than he has in years, signaling a promising return for a team eager to stabilize its pitching staff.

“I think about four and a half months post-surgery, I feel fantastic,” Eflin told reporters. “I’ve been doing some mound work and I think I have my first bullpen scheduled on January 6. So everything’s been going smooth. As of now, my goal is to be ready for Opening Day, for the first start of the season.”

Eflin’s confidence is exactly the kind of energy the Orioles were hoping for when they re-signed him to anchor the rotation. While he acknowledged that timelines could shift — “It could change, I don’t know…” — he remained optimistic, emphasizing his progress and commitment to being ready for spring training and beyond.

“I feel better than I ever have in my life. I’m fully prepared to be ready for that first week of the season,” Eflin said.

Eflin’s Impact on the Orioles Rotation

Zach Eflin’s return could be a major boost for Baltimore’s starting rotation, which has relied heavily on a mix of youth and experience. After joining the Orioles during the 2024 season, Eflin made an immediate impact, posting a 2.60 ERA over nine starts in what was essentially a short audition. His ability to eat innings while maintaining consistency gave the team a glimpse of what a healthy, veteran starter could provide.

Unfortunately, 2025 did not go according to plan. Eflin battled injuries and inconsistency throughout the season, ultimately leading to the back issue that required surgery in August. At the time, there was no clear timeline for his return, leaving the Orioles without a dependable veteran arm in the latter half of the campaign—a challenge for a team with postseason aspirations and a developing young core.

Eflin’s early offseason progress, however, suggests that he could return in prime form, potentially slotting into the rotation right out of spring training. With bullpen sessions scheduled for early January, he has the runway to build arm strength, refine mechanics, and regain stamina in time for the start of the season.

Recovery and Rehabilitation: A Focus on Strength and Mechanics

A lumbar microdiscectomy is a significant procedure for any pitcher, but Eflin’s approach to recovery has been methodical and encouraging. In addition to physical therapy, conditioning, and mound work, Eflin has emphasized core stability, flexibility, and overall body mechanics—factors crucial for long-term durability as a starting pitcher.

Experts note that pitchers returning from back surgery face unique challenges, including timing their throwing workload and monitoring lower-body mechanics to prevent compensatory injuries. Eflin’s plan to start bullpen sessions in early January indicates the Orioles are confident in his rehabilitation, and the early mound work provides a critical opportunity to reestablish rhythm before the grind of a full MLB season.

“Everything feels great. I’m not just throwing lightly; I’m building up intensity gradually and feeling stronger with each session,” Eflin said.

If he continues on this trajectory, Eflin could be a reliable middle-of-the-rotation starter, providing innings, experience, and stability—qualities that can be scarce for a young team aiming to compete in the American League East.

What Eflin Brings to Baltimore

Beyond the numbers, Eflin offers intangible benefits that extend beyond the mound. He’s a veteran presence for a pitching staff featuring young arms, including prospects who are expected to take on bigger roles in 2026. His ability to mentor younger pitchers, share insights about game preparation, and maintain composure under pressure could be invaluable in high-stakes games.

On the field, Eflin combines a mid-90s fastball, a sharp slider, and a reliable changeup, allowing him to attack hitters in multiple ways. His approach is strategic and adaptable, qualities that make him difficult to hit even after a full season of scouting. The Orioles’ success in 2026 may hinge on how effectively he leverages these skills while staying healthy throughout the year.

Implications for Orioles’ Postseason Aspirations

Baltimore enters the 2026 season with a blend of youth and experience. The rotation has potential but lacks proven stability at the backend. If Eflin can return to form, he provides the kind of consistency that can transform the Orioles from a competitive club to a serious playoff contender.

In addition to strengthening the rotation, a healthy Eflin allows the team to better manage innings for younger starters and preserve bullpen arms for late-season and postseason games. Depth and durability in starting pitching often make the difference in a long, grueling MLB season—and Eflin’s return could be the catalyst the Orioles need.

A Timeline to Watch

While Eflin remains cautiously optimistic, the next few months are critical. Key milestones include:

• January 6: First bullpen session

• January – February: Gradual increase in throwing intensity, mechanical adjustments

• Spring Training: Evaluating readiness for Opening Day

• March 2026: Potential rotation slot confirmation

The Orioles have not released an official timetable, but Eflin’s statements suggest confidence in making Opening Day 2026. The organization will monitor his progress carefully, adjusting workloads to avoid setbacks while ensuring he enters the season fully prepared.

Challenges Ahead

No pitcher returning from back surgery is guaranteed to perform at previous levels. Eflin will need to maintain health, mechanics, and workload management throughout spring training and into the regular season. Any setbacks could delay his return or limit his effectiveness, placing pressure on the rest of the rotation.

Additionally, adapting to a full season after surgery requires not only physical readiness but also mental confidence. Eflin’s public statements indicate he is mentally focused and motivated—a positive sign that could translate into consistent performance.

Conclusion: A Key Piece for 2026

For the Orioles, Zach Eflin represents both experience and upside. If he returns as expected, he could anchor a rotation that blends youth and veteran leadership, providing stability in a division filled with elite offenses and rising teams.

Eflin’s recovery is progressing ahead of schedule, and his commitment to returning healthy and ready for Opening Day 2026 bodes well for Baltimore’s ambitions. While there are no guarantees in baseball, a motivated, physically capable Zach Eflin could be exactly the kind of addition a young playoff-contending team needs to make a deep run.

“If I can stay on track and avoid setbacks, I’m ready to go,” Eflin said. “I want to help this team compete, and I feel better than I ever have. I’m excited for the season ahead.”

If his words translate to performance, the Orioles may be getting a healthy, motivated veteran right when they need him most, potentially turning the rotation into one of the team’s most reliable assets in 2026.