Orioles place Zach Eflin on the injured list

The Orioles placed Zach Eflin on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to August 17, due to shoulder inflammation. Baltimore also placed Keegan Akin on the paternity list. Rookie Cade Povich and relief Dillon Tate come from Triple-A Norfolk to fill the open spots on the active roster.

Baltimore signed Eflin in its biggest move at the deadline. The right-hander had a 4.09 earned run average in 19 starts with the Rays over the first half of the season. He’s had a fantastic start to his time with the O’s. Eflin has allowed just six runs in his first four starts. He’s averaging nearly 6 1/3 innings per appearance and has posted an excellent 25:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

This would make Eflin the O’s second or third starter in a hypothetical playoff series. Corbin Burnes would certainly get Game 1, while Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez are the likely candidates for the next two appearances if they’re healthy. Both pitchers are currently on the injured list, though Eflin’s issue doesn’t appear to be as concerning as Rodriguez’s. While the young player is targeting a late September return after a lat strain, Eflin likely won’t be out much longer than the 15-day minimum. Skipper Brandon Hyde told the Baltimore Beat he hopes it will be a short outing (X-Link via Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com).

Even a brief absence could have a significant impact on the race for the AL East. Baltimore is only half a game behind the Yankees in terms of both the league lead and the best record in the American League. The O’s rotation depth has long been the biggest question mark in a very strong squad. With Kyle Bradish And John Middle ready for the season, Baltimore has deadline Trevor Rogers, Dean Kremer And Albert Suarez than their next three starters behind Burnes.

Rogers has struggled for most of the season with the Marlins, getting hit particularly hard in four starts since arriving in Baltimore. Kremer looks like a fifth starter. Suárez has proven to be an excellent discovery in his return to the major leagues after seven years, but he’s probably best suited for a back-end or swing role in a contender. The Orioles must decide on a fifth starter with Eflin out and only one day off between now and Sept. 5. Povich, one of the organization’s most promising pitchers, appears to be the choice. He’s had a rough start to his MLB career, allowing a 5.77 ERA in his first nine starts with a similarly disappointing strikeout and walk profile.