The Baltimore Orioles are turning to a former starter with the team, to replace the injured Star.
This move follows Eflin being placed on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. He is now the fifth starting pitcher the Orioles have put on the IL this season, with three of those being out for the year.
Irvin’s continued presence with the organization is fortunate. He started the season in the rotation but was moved to the bullpen as the rotation became healthier. After the Orioles designated him for assignment on July 30 due to Eflin’s injury, Irvin cleared waivers and accepted a Triple-A Norfolk assignment.
He will pitch for the Orioles in New York on six days’ rest and could stay in the rotation for the near future. This season, Irvin has a 6-5 record with a 4.85 ERA in 21 games (14 starts), accumulating 66 strikeouts and 21 walks over 94.2 innings.
Irvin’s future with the team is uncertain. If Eflin returns after 15 days, the Orioles can’t simply send Irvin back to Triple-A because he has no minor-league options remaining. They would need to designate him for assignment again and hope he clears waivers and accepts a minor-league assignment once more.
Irvin was acquired by the Orioles in a trade with the Oakland Athletics before the 2023 season. He went 1-4 in 24 games with the Orioles that year and was sent to Norfolk. Previously, he pitched as a starter for the Philadelphia Phillies (2019-2020) and the Athletics (2021-22), holding a career record of 28-39 with a 4.48 ERA, 422 strikeouts, and 134 walks over 576.2 innings.
Eflin joins Grayson Rodriguez on the 15-day IL, with Rodriguez expected to return in September. Other starters Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells are out for the season following surgeries and are not anticipated to return until at least mid-2025. Additionally, the Orioles have three relievers on the IL, including closer Félix Bautista, who is out for the season after Tommy John surgery last year, along with Danny Coulombe and Jacob Webb.
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