Orioles avoid worst case scenario with Jordan Westburg injury, but not by much

Baltimore Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias provided an injury update on third baseman Jordan Westburg after online speculation suggested Westburg's 2026 season could be in jeopardy. Westburg opened spring training dealing with an oblique strain, but the concern this week shifted to his elbow. While Westburg will be able to avoid Tommy John surgery, for now, he will be missing some time once the regular season starts.

Elias revealed that Westburg had a partially torn UCL and will be getting a PRP injection as treatment. The 27-year-old will miss the month of April, and the Orioles will likely provide another update at that time.

The Orioles get good news on Jordan Westburg...for now

Considering the alternative, Westburg being ruled out for the entire 2026 season, the update from Elias is encouraging. It suggests that there is a chance Westburg can return to action during the first half of the regular season. Of course, that may be dependent on how his elbow responds to the injections.

Injuries have defined Westburg's last two years with the Orioles. Before the oblique strain, the hope was that the 27-year-old would finally be entering camp healthy and cement his standing as the team's third baseman moving forward. It's the reason why the Orioles avoided third base upgrades this offseason. Obviously, questions over Westburg's durability will remain until he proves capable of staying on the field.

With Jackson Holliday also expected to miss Opening Day, the Orioles will need to patch together their starting infield to open the season. Pete Alonso at first base and Gunnar Henderson at shortstop are the locks, and the injuries to Holliday and Westburg create openings at second base and third base.

It would seem likely that recently acquired Blaze Alexander will get the first look at second base. As for third base, it now seems that Coby Mayo has a clear path to making the Opening Day roster and serving as the team's interim third baseman. A return of Ramon Urias also shouldn't be ruled out. The former Orioles utility man remains on the free-agent market and could be ideal depth for Baltimore as they navigate through these injuries.

The update to Westburg also likely puts an end to the trade rumors surrounding Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle. Urias' potential arrival could change that, but for now, the Orioles will need to rely on the infield depth they have.