Zach Eflin
Zach Eflin | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tampa Bay Rays – No. 24 | |||||||||||||||
Pitcher | |||||||||||||||
Born: Orlando, Florida, U.S. | April 8, 1994|||||||||||||||
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |||||||||||||||
MLB debut | |||||||||||||||
June 14, 2016, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |||||||||||||||
MLB statistics (through April 15, 2024) | |||||||||||||||
Win–loss record | 53–55 | ||||||||||||||
Earned run average | 4.29 | ||||||||||||||
Strikeouts | 758 | ||||||||||||||
Teams | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Medals
|
Zachary Adams Eflin (born April 8, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Philadelphia Phillies.
The
Eflin relies heavily on a
Early life
Eflin was born in
Eflin attended Paul J. Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Florida, where he played baseball.[4][5] His junior year of high school, Eflin planned to quit the baseball team to join the golf team, but he ultimately abandoned that plan. While he was in high school, he grew seven inches and became a dominant starting pitcher who attracted attention from colleges and professional scouts.[1] In his senior year, he had an 0.51 earned run average (ERA) and 59 strikeouts in 43 innings pitched.[4] Although Eflin signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to attend UCF on a college baseball scholarship, he ultimately signed with the San Diego Padres after being drafted.[4][5]
Career
San Diego Padres
Following his high school career, the
The next year, in his first full professional season, he pitched for the
Philadelphia Phillies
Prospect (2015–2017)
On December 18, 2014, the Padres traded Eflin, Joe Wieland, and Yasmani Grandal to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for all-star outfielder Matt Kemp, Tim Federowicz, and cash.[17] Less than 24 hours later, Eflin came to the Phillies with Tom Windle from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade that moved Jimmy Rollins, the longest-tenured athlete in all of Philadelphia sports, the Phillies' all-time hits leader, and the face of the franchise for more than a decade, to Los Angeles.[18] The trade was the first move in what Phillies general manager Rubén Amaro Jr. characterized an "arduous rebuilding process",[19] The Phillies had zeroed in on Eflin on the advice of Gorman Heimueller, a former Phillies instructor working in the Padres organization, who said that Eflin "had a lead-pipe sinker and the makings to pitch at the top of a rotation once he could master the slider."[19] During spring training in 2021, Eflin—the last player acquired during Amaro's 2015 rebuilding efforts still to be in the Phillies organization—reflected on the trade as a turning point for his career, noting that the moment made it feel "like someone wanted me more."[19]
After
Eflin received another invitation to spring training in 2016.
Eflin began the 2017 season on the 10-day disabled list in an effort to continue recovery from both knees. He was activated on April 11 and optioned to Triple-A.
Major league starter (2018–2022)
Eflin once again opened the 2018 season in Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but he returned to the major leagues by the end of April.
Entering the 2021 season, analysts, coaches, and teammates suggested Eflin could be a candidate for a breakout season near the top of the Phillies' starting rotation.[19][44] New Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham said in his opening press conferences that the Phillies' starting rotation has three potential candidates for the Cy Young Award, which the media has interpreted to mean Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Eflin.[45] Eflin worked to a 4–7 record and 4.17 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 18 starts for the Phillies in 2021. On September 8, 2021, it was announced that Eflin would undergo season-ending knee surgery to repair a tear in his right patellar tendon.[46]
In the 2022 regular season he was 3–5 with one save and a 4.04 ERA over 75.2 innings in 20 games (13 starts).[47] But later Eflin suffered a right knee contusion and he was placed on the 60-day injured list. After he was reactivated in September, Eflin was moved to bullpen, and he had a 3.38 ERA over 10 2/3 playoff innings in 10 games, and earned a save in Phillies' series-clinching win over Cardinals in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series.
On November 7, 2022, two days after Phillies lost the 2022 World Series, Eflin declined his end of the mutual option for 2023 season, and became a free agent for the first time in his career, receiving a $150,000 buyout.[48]
Tampa Bay Rays
On December 13, 2022, the Tampa Bay Rays signed Eflin to a three-year, $40 million contract. This was the largest free agent deal in Rays history, topping the five-year, $35 million contract given to Wilson Álvarez before their inaugural 1998 season.[49] Eflin was reportedly offered the exact same contract terms by the division-rival Boston Red Sox, but declined, citing his Orlando roots and the opportunity to work with Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder.[50]
Pitcher profile
Eflin was a middle-of-the-rotation starting pitcher when with the Phillies, and is known for relying on a
Personal life
Eflin married his longtime girlfriend Lauren Dennen in December 2020.[30] They have three children together, a daughter born October 9, 2021, and twin girls born March 2023. [54] He has done work to support pediatric patients in Philadelphia hospitals, including appearances at sleepovers in the Phillies' clubhouse.[55][56]
References
- ^ a b c d Nightengale, Bob (May 15, 2019). "Phillies pitcher Zach Eflin overcame tragedy to become one of MLB's biggest surprises". USA Today. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ Breen, Matt (March 14, 2015). "Hats off to Eflin's inspiring message". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ISBN 978-1683220947.
- ^ a b c Lyon, Austin (June 1, 2012). "Family challenges don't keep Hagerty ace from becoming top draft prospect". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- ^ a b Parker, Brandon (May 11, 2012). "Baseball has been a lifeline for Zach Eflin". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- ^ Lyon, Austin (June 4, 2012). "Zach Eflin and Walker Weickel both taken by San Diego Padres in MLB draft". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- U-T San Diego. June 16, 2012. Archivedfrom the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- ^ "Eflin goes a career-best seven innings". U-T San Diego. May 29, 2013. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f "Zach Eflin Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
- ^ "Pitchers Fried, Eflin, Weickel visit Petco Park". U-T San Diego. September 10, 2012. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- ^ Sickels, John (January 9, 2013). "San Diego Padres Top 20 Prospects for 2013". Minor League Ball. SBNation.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Zach Eflin Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
- ^ Law, Keith (January 30, 2014). "Top 10 prospects (NL West)". ESPN Insider. ESPN Internet Ventures. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
- ^ "Keith Law's Top 10 Padres Prospects". Gas Lamp Ball. SBNation.com. January 31, 2014. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- Fox Sports San Diego. Archivedfrom the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- ^ Scarcella, Eric (January 30, 2015). "Fightins Prospect Profile: Zach Eflin and Tom Windle". MILB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- ^ "Padres acquire OF Matt Kemp". ESPN.com. December 18, 2014. Archived from the original on August 3, 2016. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
- ^ Stephen, Eric (December 19, 2014). "Jimmy Rollins trade finalized by Dodgers, Phillies". truebluela.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e Breen, Matt (March 15, 2021). "How Jimmy Rollins, Ruben Amaro Jr., and 'an insider' helped the Phillies land Zach Eflin". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ "Eflin excited for Spring Training start". Courier-Post. March 29, 2015. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
- ^ "Zach Eflin impressive in season debut". Philly.com. April 12, 2015. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
- ^ "Philadelphia Phillies prospect Zach Eflin sparkles in Reading Fightin Phils debut". MiLB.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Zach Eflin Stats, Highlights, Bio". MiLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
- ^ Witte, Ethan (May 30, 2019). "Learning to appreciate Andrew Knapp". The Good Phight. SBNation.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- ^ Brookover, Bob (May 6, 2019). "Andrew Knapp's understudy work is not underappreciated by Phillies". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- ^ Breen, Matt (March 4, 2021). "Phillies plan expanded role for Andrew Knapp, even if J.T. Realmuto is healthy". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- ^ "Phillies invite top prospects to spring training". philly-archives. Archived from the original on March 21, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
- ^ "Eflin, Alfaro earn weekly honors; IronPigs reach milestone". The Morning Call. April 18, 2016. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ^ "IronPigs pitcher Zach Eflin to make next start with Phillies". The Express-Times. June 11, 2016. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g Clark, Bonnie, ed. (2021). 2021 Philadelphia Phillies Media Guide (PDF). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Phillies. pp. 73–75. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ Stolnis, John (June 14, 2016). "Zach Eflin's debut was one of the worst in MLB history". The Good Phight. SBNation.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ^ Lauber, Scott. "Phillies starter Zach Eflin dominates Royals in 7–0, complete-game victory". Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
- ^ Perrotto, John (July 22, 2016). "Zach Eflin Tosses 1st Shutout in Phillies' Win Over Pirates". CSN Philly. Archived from the original on July 26, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
- ^ Zolecki, Todd (August 9, 2016). "Knee issues force Phillies' Eflin to DL". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
- ^ Breen, Matt (August 19, 2016). "Zach Eflin has season-ending knee surgery". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
- ^ Harris, Ben (April 11, 2017). "Phillies activate and option righty Zach Eflin". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
- ^ Roscher, Liz (April 18, 2017). "Clay Buchholz has surgery, Zach Eflin recalled". The Good Phight. SBNation.com. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
- ^ a b "Zach Eflin Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
- ^ Todd, Jeff (May 31, 2019). "Phillies Place Zach Eflin On 10-Day IL". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
- ^ a b c Salisbury, Jim (February 26, 2020). "Outs are precious, and Phillies pitcher Zach Eflin will get them". NBC Sports Philadelphia. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ a b Zolecki, Todd (August 29, 2020). "Eflin unveils revamped curveball in gem". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ Zolecki, Todd (September 24, 2020). "Eflin's 'got that inside him' to propel Phils". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ Kauffman, Kerry (March 6, 2021). "Phillies 2021 Season Player Preview: Zach Eflin". That Ball's Outta Here. Fansided. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ Salisbury, Jim (March 17, 2021). "Phillies pitching depth once again an issue with Eflin sitting". NBC Sports Philadelphia. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ Foster, Allie (March 1, 2021). "2021 Player Preview: Zach Eflin". The Good Phight. SBNation.com. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ "Eflin set for knee surgery, done for '21". MLB.com. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
- ^ "Zach Eflin Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com.
- ^ "Zach Eflin Declines 2023 Mutual Option With Phillies".
- ^ Topkin, Marc (December 13, 2022). "Rays set to introduce $40 million man Zach Eflin on Tuesday". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
- ^ Chad Jennings (December 1, 2022). "Red Sox nearly added Zach Eflin before losing him to three-year deal with Rays". The Athletic.
- ^ Harris, Ben (July 10, 2018). "The indoctrination of Zach Eflin: Once a contact pitcher, now a strikeout threat". The Athletic. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ Lugardo, Destiny (February 19, 2021). "Expectations for Zach Eflin are sky high: Can he meet them?". Phillies Nation. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- Fangraphs. Archivedfrom the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- ^ "Zach Eflin (@zeflin) on Instagram". Instagram. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
- ^ Zolecki, Todd (November 18, 2017). "Eflin surprises kids at annual CBP sleepover". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- ^ "Phillies host pediatric patients for fun-filled sleepover". Bucks County Courier Times. Staff report. November 27, 2018. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
- Zach Eflin on Twitter
- Zach Eflin on Instagram