Eflin is superb in return from injured list in Orioles’ 6-1 win over Rockies

What happened? Zach Eflin returned from the injured list and won for the fifth time in his five starts with the Orioles, allowing one run on four hits in seven innings in a 6-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.

Eflin (10-7) retired the first 15 batters to face him and struck out a season-high nine with just one walk on 85 pitches.

“We had a limited pitch count on Zach,” manager Brandon Hyde told reporters in Denver. “I wasn’t expecting him to go seven innings.”

Catcher James McCann hit a two-run home run and shortstop Gunnar Henderson drove in two runs.

“It’s no secret that things haven’t gone our way here recently,” McCann said on the MASN postgame telecast. “There are a lot of things that add up to it recently, whether it’s the injuries or having an off-night at the plate, having an off-night on the mound. It all added up to not being a lot of fun, which is winning. Today was a good sign, our offense coming out early.”

The Orioles scored four runs in the fourth off Ty Blach (3-7), who briefly pitched tor the Orioles in 2022.

“We looked a lot more comfortable out there,” Henderson told reporters in Denver. “It looked like we were just playing, playing ball not trying to do too much. It looked like it was a good, all-around day today.”

With the win and the New York Yankees’ 14-7 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Orioles (79-59) are within a ½ game of New York in the American League East as September begins.

“We have guys coming back, but we’ve been grinding for a couple of months,” Hyde said. “It’s not been easy, and every game seems difficult. We’re winning some close ones, we’re losing some close ones. We’d like to find some consistency. It’s harder right now. Looking for some spark to get us going.”

Ramón Urías was placed on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right ankle. Coby Mayo was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and had a hit to start the four-run fourth. Catcher David Bañuelos’ contract was purchased from Norfolk and outfielder Forrest Wall was designated for assignment.

Dillon Tate was claimed off waivers by Toronto, and Nick Vespi cleared waivers and was outrighted to Norfolk.

How much of a lift did Eflin give the Orioles? Eflin was acquired from Tampa Bay on July 26th and has done an excellent job. With so many injuries to the starting rotation, he’s been missed.

“He’s been great for us,” Hyde said. “He pitches like a total pro. He’s such a competitor and he has great confidence.”

Eflin got a lot of swinging strikes on his breaking pitches.

“We didn’t go into the game thinking we were going to throw that many,” McCann said. “It was one of those days where you throw the scouting report out the window and you go with what’s working.”

Eflin didn’t have a rehab assignment but had some bullpen sessions.

“The curveball was actually doing pretty well today,” he said. “We were getting some depth on it.”

Hyde was surprised that with Eflin throwing 85 pitches, he was able to complete seven innings.

“I was excited to keep the pitch count down and stay in the game as long as possible.”

Efliin’s sharpness after time off didn’t surprise him.

“I’m such a command guy and a feel-based pitcher that I’ve got to live on the corners, so that’s what I’ve been focusing on the entire time I’ve been on the IL,” he said. “It was nice to go back and compete again, and to be able to live on the corners and keep them guessing.”

He worked quickly, and Eflin’s fielders appreciated it.

“That was an awesome performance,” Henderson said. “Especially coming off the shoulder soreness. It was really awesome to watch, and I was glad we were able to get some runs for him.”

What’s the latest on Dean Kremer? While the Orioles put Urías on the injured list, they haven’t put Kremer on the IL. Kremer suffered a bruised right forearm when he was hit by a line drive by Colorado’s Jordan Beck in the fourth inning on Saturday night.

“I think we got lucky with Dean,” Hyde said. “We’ll see how long it’s going to be.”

If the Orioles put Kremer on the injured list, he couldn’t pitch until September 16th. He was seen in the dugout with a wrap on the arm.

“It’s too early to tell,” Hyde said. “I would be really surprised if he was pitching in four or five days.”

What’s the word? “He knows where to go, and he’s done that for five starts for us now.”­ -Hyde on Eflin’s success.

What does it mean? With Kremer and Grayson Rodriguez sidelined, Eflin’s starts will be even more important in the final four weeks of the season.

What’s the stat of the day? 4-28. Chris Flexen (2-13) Nick Nastrini (0-6) and Jonathan Cannon (2-9), the three pitchers scheduled to pitch for the Chicago White Sox against the Orioles, have a combined record of 4-28.

What’s going on in the minor leagues? Third baseman Elis Cuevas hit a three-run home run in Single-A Delmarva’s 6-5 loss to Salem.

Infielder Jean Segura requested and received his release from Triple-A Norfolk.

What’s next? The Orioles begin a three-game series with the Chicago White Sox on Monday at 3:05 p.m. Corbin Burnes (12-7, 3.23) will face Chris Flexen (2-13, 5.29).

Call for questions: Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com