Zach

Eflin

Eflin hopes to have a normal offseason after spending the next few months recovering, but that’s not assured. The free-agent-to-be is probably going to have to settle for a one-year deal in the offseason after posting a 5.93 ERA in 14 starts this year.

Eflin underwent season-ending back surgery earlier this week. The procedural move frees up a spot on Baltimore’s 40-man roster for top prospect Samuel Basallo.

Eflin is slated for a lumbar microdiscectomy. Between that and the 5.93 ERA in 14 starts this season, he’s likely going to have to take a one-year deal in free agency this winter.

It’s starting to feel like Eflin won’t pitch again this season after hitting the injured list last week just prior to the trade deadline with back discomfort. The vibes certainly aren’t that positive and there’s zero reason for Baltimore to rush him back with nothing at stake.

This is the same injury that sidelined Eflin from June 29 through July 23. It would not be a surprise to see this keep him on the IL for another three or four weeks, which means he would only be an option in September if some team trades for him.

Rosenthal adds that Eflin is headed to the injured list with an undisclosed ailment, but one that is definitively not related to his arm. There’s a lot to unpack here, but it sounds like Eflin could still be dealing with a back injury that landed him on the IL just last month. The veteran is a free agent at the end of the season and could still wind up being shipped out ahead of Thursday night’s deadline to provide insurance for some team’s rotation in the final month or so of the season.

Eflin received nearly two touchdowns worth of run support from Baltimore’s offense, but couldn’t complete five frames to qualify for a win. He allowed eight hits, including homers to Nathan Lukes and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., finishing with three strikeouts and issuing one walk. He’s tentatively slated to take the ball on Sunday at Wrigley Field, but that will obviously change if he’s moved later this week at the trade deadline.

Eflin struck out five and walked one over five innings in his return from the injured list. All the damage came in the fourth, when Kyle Manzardo dropped a two-run single into shallow left-center following a one-out double by José Ramírez. The 30-year-old righty looked sharp overall in this one and is likely to make one more start — Tuesday against the Blue Jays — ahead of next week’s trade deadline, which could serve as an audition for contending clubs.

Eflin is up to make a start after missing almost a month with discomfort in his lower back. The right-hander has disappointed with a 5.95 ERA, but his previous success makes him worthy of roster consideration for those looking for help in pitching categories.

Eflin wrapped up a minor league rehab assignment over the weekend and will take the ball for his first start since June 28. The 31-year-old righty has struggled to a lackluster 5.95 ERA across 62 innings (12 starts) this season, but still figures to be one of the bigger arms on the move by the end of the month. He’s in line to make at least two starts before the trade deadline as he auditions for contenders.