Orioles shut down Bautista, Eflin with season-ending injuries

An already disappointing 2025 campaign got worse for the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday, as interim manager Tony Mansolino announced that closer Félix Bautista and starter Zach Eflin will both miss the rest of the season, according to Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun.

Bautista has what Mansolino described as a "significant shoulder injury" and will undergo further examination later this week. Eflin, meanwhile, will undergo a lumbar microdiscectomy on his lower back.

Both pitchers were already on the injured list.

Bautista's injury halts what had been a solid comeback season after he missed all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery. The 30-year-old put up a 2.60 ERA, 3.34 FIP, and 1.13 WHIP with 50 strikeouts and 19 saves over 35 appearances before experiencing shoulder discomfort in mid-July.

The exact nature of his shoulder injury remains unclear. Mansolino added that Bautista's recovery timeline - and any impact on his status for 2026 - won't be known until he sees doctors again, according to Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner.

Eflin, one of Baltimore's most reliable starters in 2024, struggled through an injury-plagued 2025 season, posting a 5.93 ERA with a 6.3 K/9 rate over 14 starts. He's served three separate stints on the IL this season, including two because of lower back problems.

The 31-year-old is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason.