A devastating blow to the Orioles' infield! Third baseman Jordan Westburg has been diagnosed with a partial tear in his right elbow's ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), a setback that could significantly impact his 2026 season.
This news, announced by Orioles' president of baseball operations Mike Elias, means Westburg will not undergo surgery at this time. Instead, he's set to receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection today. The hope is that this innovative treatment will help him avoid more invasive procedures like an internal brace or the dreaded Tommy John surgery, either of which would likely sideline him for the majority, if not all, of the year. For now, Westburg is expected to miss at least the entire month of April, with his future return timeline hinging entirely on the success of the PRP injection.
But here's where it gets tricky... Given the timing of the injury, Westburg's decision to pursue an injection, rest, and rehabilitation before opting for surgery makes a lot of sense. While recovery for position players from UCL surgery is generally quicker than for pitchers, it's still a substantial undertaking, often requiring at least six months to return, even as a designated hitter. The exact timeline can fluctuate depending on whether a full reconstruction (Tommy John) or a less invasive repair (internal brace) is performed.
Consider these recent examples: Bryce Harper underwent Tommy John surgery in November 2022 and managed to return as a designated hitter approximately five and a half months later. Trevor Story, on the other hand, had an internal brace procedure in January 2023 and was back on the field as a shortstop seven months later. It's crucial to remember that every injury is unique, and we don't yet know the precise extent of Westburg's tear. Based on these precedents, immediate surgery would have likely meant a best-case scenario of Westburg returning as a DH in August, with a slim chance of playing third base very late in the regular season.
And this is the part most people miss... There's a very real possibility that opting for surgery right now could have cost Westburg his entire 2026 campaign. If the Orioles' medical staff and Westburg's consultants believed he'd be sidelined until next spring anyway, then this current approach is quite logical. By pursuing the PRP route, Westburg is giving himself the best possible chance to be available for a significant portion of the 2026 season. Even if he ultimately requires surgery in May, he should still be expected to be ready for spring training next year.
Elias further explained that Westburg experienced elbow discomfort while throwing during his recovery from an oblique injury. Imaging then revealed the partial tear, which doctors now suspect may have been present for some time. While the effectiveness of the PRP treatment remains to be seen, Elias indicated that if the injection proves successful, Westburg could potentially return to the lineup first as a designated hitter.
Even if Westburg's absence is limited to a couple of months rather than the entire season, this is still a critical loss for Baltimore. The Orioles are already facing the absence of second baseman Jackson Holliday, who recently underwent surgery for a hamate fracture and will miss Opening Day. This means they'll be without 50% of their starting infield right out of the gate.
Westburg, at 27 years old, has proven to be a well-rounded and productive player since his debut in 2023. He boasts a career slash line of .264/.312/.456 with 38 home runs, 53 doubles, and eight triples over 1027 plate appearances. Unfortunately, injuries have frequently hampered his availability, with previous stints on the injured list for a broken hand, two hamstring strains, and an ankle sprain. He has yet to play more than 107 games in a single MLB season, and this latest injury casts considerable doubt on whether he'll surpass that career-high mark in 2026.
With both Westburg and Holliday sidelined, the Orioles' Opening Day infield will look considerably different than anticipated. Could this be an opportunity for Coby Mayo? The former top prospect has been dedicating his offseason and spring training to third base and is expected to be the primary replacement for Westburg. If Mayo struggles, trade acquisition Blaze Alexander could shift to third base, though he's also a leading candidate to fill in at second base for Holliday. Utilityman Jeremiah Jackson could also see time at either position.
What are your thoughts on the Orioles' infield situation? Do you believe the PRP injection will be enough to keep Westburg on the field for a significant part of the season, or is surgery inevitable? And with key players out, should the Orioles consider bringing in veteran infield depth? Names like Ramón Urías, Jose Iglesias, and Emmanuel Rivera are still unsigned, as are utility options like Luis Urías and Jon Berti. The waiver wire and late-spring training releases could also present opportunities. Let us know your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
