Jordan Westburg, the Orioles’ projected starting third baseman, has been diagnosed with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. This injury emerged after Westburg experienced soreness during a recent Spring Training throw, leading to further medical evaluation.
The club’s president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, confirmed that Westburg will receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection as part of the non-surgical treatment and is expected to be sidelined until at least the end of April. The timeline following that period remains uncertain.
Impact on Orioles’ Infield and Season Start
Westburg’s injury compounds the Orioles’ early-season adversity, following a right oblique issue he faced earlier in Spring Training. With Jackson Holliday also starting the year on the injured list due to a broken hamate bone in his right hand, two key infielders will be unavailable for Opening Day. Holliday’s recovery appears to be on a quicker track, with a potential return by mid-April.
The loss of Westburg affects Baltimore’s lineup depth significantly, considering his offensive contributions and experience. Manager Craig Albernaz acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but emphasized the team’s commitment to supporting Westburg’s rehabilitation and ensuring his full recovery.
Westburg’s Injury History and Career Context
Injuries have frequently interrupted Westburg’s career, limiting him to fewer than 107 games during his first three Major League seasons. Last year, he battled a fractured right hand that sidelined him for nearly two months. In the previous season, he dealt with several ailments including a left hamstring strain and a right ankle sprain. Despite these setbacks, he posted respectable offensive numbers in 2025, hitting .265 with 17 home runs and a .770 OPS across 85 games.
Mike Elias highlighted that the UCL tear may have been present for some time but had only recently caused significant pain. Specialists, including Dr. Neal ElAttrache, hold an optimistic view that surgery may be avoidable with proper treatment and rehabilitation.
Roster Adjustments and Future Plans
With both Westburg and Holliday on the injured list, the Orioles are turning to younger players to fill vital roles. Coby Mayo, who has primarily played first base but has minor league experience at third, appears poised to handle Westburg’s position temporarily. Utility player Blaze Alexander and infielder/outfielder Jeremiah Jackson are also in consideration for infield roles, with versatility being a key asset.
Using the designated hitter spot as an early return option is common for players with UCL injuries. However, Elias stated it is premature to determine if this pathway will be viable for Westburg, citing too many unknowns about his recovery at this stage.
Team Outlook Amid Injury Challenges
Baltimore is navigating a challenging start to the season, following a 75-87 record in 2025 and extensive time lost to injury among players. Westburg’s latest setback underscores the ongoing physical toll on the roster. Despite this, the Orioles’ medical and coaching staff remain focused on maximizing recovery outcomes and reconfiguring the lineup to maintain competitive performance through the early months of the season.
Westburg’s combination of power and consistency makes his potential return a priority for Baltimore, with optimistic assessments fueling hopes that he will rejoin the infield lineup later in the year without the need for surgery. Meanwhile, the Orioles continue to adapt their strategy by deploying versatile options to mitigate the absence of key contributors.
