The news wasn’t any better after the second opinion.

Zach Eflin tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow during his 2026 debut start against the Rangers at Camden Yards and underwent reconstructive surgery today with Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas.

Eflin, the No. 5 starter in the Orioles’ rotation after they broke camp, received an MRI on his elbow on April 1 and flew to Dallas Tuesday to consult with Meister. The Orioles announced that Eflin had a “successful” procedure.

The injury is a cruel blow to Eflin, who went on the IL three times last season, including twice for his back before having surgery in August. He made a full recovery and won a job in spring training, which led to Dean Kremer’s surprise option to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles signed Eflin to a contract in December guaranteeing $10 million and including a mutual option for 2027. He tossed 7 1/3 scoreless innings with two hits and 10 strikeouts in two Grapefruit League games and retired 16 of 17 Yankees batters in his final outing.

The last box was checked. Eflin generated 11 whiffs on 36 swings, averaged 92.8 mph on his fastball and was stretched out to 70 pitches. He got a sixth up. He was ready.

His season came crashing down after 3 2/3 innings against the Rangers on March 31 at Camden Yards. Eflin felt some discomfort after walking Evan Carter, threw one pitch to Ezequiel Duran and came out of the game. He struck out seven to tie his season high from 2025.

The Orioles moved Eflin to the 60-day injured list this week after trading for left-handed reliever Nick Raquet.

Eflin came to the Orioles from the Rays on July 26, 2024 for minor leaguers Jackson Baumeister, Matthew Etzel and Mac Horvath. He made nine starts and posted a 2.60 ERA in 55 1/3 innings, but lat and back injuries last season limited him to 14 appearances. Eflin had a 5.93 ERA and 1.416 WHIP in 71 1/3 innings before his surgery.

Brandon Young tossed five scoreless innings Monday against the White Sox and was optioned, forcing the Orioles to again tweak their rotation. Left-hander Cade Povich is starting Sunday against the Giants after he threw 5 2/3 relief innings in Pittsburgh.

Meister also provided a second opinion on Albert Suárez’s right forearm flexor strain in September. Suárez avoided surgery, signed a minor league deal after the Orioles non-tendered him, and had his contract selected when Eflin went on the injured list.

Meister also handled the elbow reconstructive surgeries with closer Félix Bautista, starter Kyle Bradish and reliever Tyler Wells.