The Orioles infield has been dealt another significant early-season blow with third baseman Jordan Westburg expected to be out through at least April with a right elbow injury.
Westburg entered the start of spring training already recovering from an oblique strain, but president of baseball operations Mike Elias told reporters in Sarasota on Friday that imaging revealed a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in Westburg’s throwing elbow, which was the result of a chronic problem rather than an acute injury. The 27-year-old will receive a platelet-rich plasma injection and rehab the elbow injury in lieu of UCL reconstruction or repair surgery, but it’s unclear when he’ll be able to make his 2026 debut or what his role might be. While the recovery timeline for Tommy John surgery isn’t as long for a position player compared to a pitcher, the possibility of Westburg needing surgery later this year would potentially compromise his availability for the start of 2027 or at least his ability to play defense.
Baltimore was already preparing to enter the start of the season without second baseman Jackson Holliday, who broke the hamate bone in his right hand a few days before the start of camp and probably won’t return until some point in April.
The latest development continues what’s been an unrelenting run of injuries for Westburg since he played in the 2024 All-Star Game and was rapidly becoming one of Baltimore’s best players. After missing nearly two months with a fractured hand down the stretch of the 2024 campaign, Westburg played in just 85 games last season due to an array of injuries that included hamstring, hand, back, and ankle ailments.
Though new utility infielder Blaze Alexander figures to receive plenty of playing time with two Opening Day infield spots now up for grabs, Westburg’s absence may open the door for Coby Mayo to receive an extensive opportunity at third base. The hot corner was Mayo’s primary position in the minors, but throwing problems led to the 24-year-old transitioning to first base before the Orioles signed five-time All-Star selection Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract in December. Jeremiah Jackson could also factor into the infield equation at second or third base.
Of course, the loss of Westburg’s right-handed bat for at least the first month of 2026 is a tough blow as he’s produced a .264/.312/.456 slash line over his first three major league seasons. Despite missing extensive action last season, Westburg still batted .265 with 17 home runs, 10 doubles, 41 RBIs, and a .770 on-base plus slugging percentage and was worth 1.6 wins above replacement over 352 plate appearances.
Asked about pursuing other options to help a roster now down two starting infielders for Opening Day, Elias acknowledged to reporters that Westburg’s injury “has picked up our conversations outside the organization when it comes to infielders.”
