Orioles player Zach Eflin lands on the injured list, giving Yankees rivals another injury shock

The Orioles lost another starting pitcher on Tuesday.

Right-hander Zach Eflin was placed on the injured list for 15 days due to inflammation in his right shoulder, dealing another blow to Baltimore's already weakened rotation.

Eflin, who was signed by the Rays before the July trade deadline, forms a complete starting lineup of pitchers for the Yankees' division rival on the injured list.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Eflin felt some shoulder soreness during his last start and he hopes the injury is “short-lived,” according to Roch Kubatko of MASN.

Before moving to Baltimore, Eflin posted a 4.09 batting average in 19 starts with Tampa Bay, but he also excelled with the Orioles, going 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA in four starts.

He joins Kyle Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells, who are all out for the rest of the season after elbow surgery, as well as Grayson Rodriguez, who is dealing with a shoulder strain but is expected to be back by the end of the season.

The Orioles will also be without closer Felix Bautista, relievers Jacob Webb and Danny Coulombe, and All-Star third baseman Jordan Westburg.

The latest injury comes at a time when the Orioles and Yankees are in an extremely close race in the American League East.

Before Tuesday's game, the Orioles (73-53) are half a game behind the Yankees (73-52) in the division.

Baltimore is 2 1/2 games ahead of the Royals and Twins for the first AL wild card spot.

When he returns for the playoffs, Eflin is expected to be Baltimore's second or third starter alongside Rodriguez and behind ace Corbin Burnes.

The Orioles and Yankees will face each other in a three-game series from September 24-26 that could ultimately decide the division.