Question: Okay, Rich, I’ve had enough! Do you think the organization needs to use all their analytics to scout players who have a tolerance for discomfort? I’ve never seen anything like this bunch! I’m frustrated beyond words. From: 5Brooks5

Answer: Steve, I don’t think the Orioles have soft players. Let’s look at the players who are on the injured list. Keegan Akin, Zach Eflin and Jordan Westburg all had Tommy John surgery. Blaze Alexander had his hand broken by a pitch. Félix Bautista had labrum and rotator cuff surgery. Ryan Mountcastle broke his left foot. Colin Selby has right shoulder inflammation. Chris Bassitt had back surgery, and Ryan Helsley has a right elbow injury.

That leaves Samuel Basallo and Adley Rutschman. Catching is a difficult position, and Rutschman has had three freakish injuries. Before last season, he’d never been hurt. Basallo is just 21 and is still learning the major leagues.

The Orioles have had more injuries than most teams in the major leagues, but medical science is more advanced these days and injuries that players played through years ago may have ended their careers prematurely. While players go on the injured list more frequently in the past, that may lead to longer careers.

Question: I haven’t heard mention of Zach Eflin in a while. Since he had his surgery so early in the season last year, what’s the likelihood that he’s pitching again by spring training? I remember that he and the Orioles have a mutual option. Do you think the Orioles will want him back for ’27? I remember him saying he wanted to be around the team this summer. Has he? I’m guessing he’d like to return, but I don’t know how the mutual option thing works. From: Stuart in Richmond, Virginia

Answer: Stuart, Zach Eflin has been around the team regularly. He was with the team in Boston this week. Guessing on pitchers’ returns from Tommy John surgery is problematic, but I would guess sometime late in the first half of the season might be a realistic time for him to pitch.

Eflin and the Orioles have a mutual option, which requires both sides to agree on a $25 million contract for next season, which isn’t going to happen.

If Eflin is to return to the Orioles it would have to be on a renegotiated contract once the Orioles decline their half of the option, and while he’d like to return, that is also problematic. 

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: [email protected]. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.