ST. PETERSBURG — If there was any lingering affection from Zach Eflin’s former home crowd Friday, it was quickly drowned out by the chorus of boos that greeted him during his pregame introduction.
“Zach Eflin deserves to be applauded in this stadium, without a doubt,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said.
Eflin returned to Tropicana Field for the first time since being traded by the Rays less than two weeks ago. He shut down his former teammates, throwing seven shutout innings in the Orioles’ 4-1 win.
“It was really cool to step on that mound and be able to face them on the other side,” said Eflin, who struck out seven batters while holding the Rays to four hits and one walk on 94 pitches.
Tampa Bay still remains somewhat home for Eflin, aside from the visitor’s parking spot he was given. He stayed in his old house and spent time with his kids, something he doesn’t take for granted.
“I got to fly in early (Thursday) and hold my babies,” Eflin said. “It was amazing to be home and be with them. ... This place holds a special place in my heart.”
Though Eflin may have felt at home around familiar faces, the crowd at The Trop didn’t offer him the warmest of welcomes. It was likely in response to comments he made after his first start in Baltimore, describing the atmosphere as “awesome ... a bit different from Tampa.”
Eflin said the comments may have been taken out of context, adding that he has a “tremendous amount of respect” for Rays fans.
“If you look at the words that I said, it probably doesn’t sit well,” he said. “But if you hear the tone of how I said it, I don’t think it really comes off bad.”
Eflin’s former teammates were more welcoming, running to greet him outside the clubhouse before the game. Eflin also acknowledged the Rays dugout as he took the field for the first inning.
“It’s like an out-of-body experience being with these guys,” Eflin said. “Fifteen days ago, (I was in) that clubhouse. Then, showing up and seeing all the workers I was friends with, seeing some of the guys on the team and the staff, I have so much respect for that clubhouse and everybody that works for this organization.”
Weird, strange, odd, different — those were common sentiments among the Rays when describing the experience of facing Eflin in an Orioles uniform.
“It is a unique situation,” Cash said. “... Even though Eflin was only here for a year and a half, it felt like he was here much longer. Just because of the impact that he had on our club performing and what he did in the clubhouse.”
In two seasons with the Rays, Eflin made 50 starts, going 21-15 with a 3.72 ERA. He finished sixth in American League Cy Young voting in 2023 after winning 16 games (tied for most in the AL).
Eflin’s impact extended beyond his work on the mound. He was praised by many for being a mentor, a quality teammate and a good friend. Outfielder Josh Lowe noted Eflin’s “calm energy” and its influence on those around him, while reliever Pete Fairbanks highlighted his role in uniting the clubhouse.
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Explore all your optionsBaltimore manager Brandon Hyde is eager to capitalize on these qualities. The Orioles, who have the second-best record in MLB, needed a veteran starting pitcher like Eflin, Hyde said.
“We don’t have a ton of veteran guys (in the clubhouse, so he can) smooth our rotation our right now,” Hyde said. “He’s a veteran guy that pushed in the postseason and made big starts in big markets. He’s just been so great in every way.”
Ultimately, Hyde and the Orioles are just glad to have Eflin on their side now.
“He’s been wonderful,” the manager said. “... What he’s done for us the last couple starts is what we saw him do against us. Just a quality, ultra-pro.”
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