Orioles finally get All Star infielder back with a week left to play

On Sunday morning, the Orioles announced that they've finally activated 2024 All Star Jordan Westburg and infielder Ramon Urias off the IL, the former of whom has been absent for an extended period while dealing with a broken hand.

Westburg has been sorely missed, as he was so good in the first half that he earned his first career All Star nod in a crowded American League infield. The Orioles have struggled to replace his production at both second and third base, both on the offensive side as well as on defense.

Westburg should immediately provide production, and not a moment too soon. The Orioles have the ability to clinch a postseason spot this afternoon, though it's not entirely in their control. They'll have to win against the Tigers today and get a little help from the Rangers, who need to beat the Mariners for the O's to secure their spot.

Jordan Westburg's return to Baltimore is a major win for the Orioles

Even if the O's aren't able to clinch today, having Westburg in the lineup for the upcoming week will make a big difference as the schedule gets a bit difficult. The O's have three against the Yankees starting Tuesday and will finish off the year with a three game set in Minnesota. Both the Yankees and Twins are fighting for playoff position and the O's won't be able to sit back and relax if they want to hang onto the top Wild Card spot.

In addition to Westburg, Urias has been a difference maker for the O's all year. He's been a solid defender and has had one of the best years of his career at the plate, hitting .252/.327/.427 with 10 homers and a steal in 93 games.

With Jorge Mateo out for the year, Urias has filled an important role and the Orioles haven't been able to match his production since he went down with an ankle sprain in late August. His return to the lineup will be a welcome sight for Orioles fans.

In corresponding moves, the Orioles have optioned outfielder Daniel Johnson and infielder Livan Soto back to Triple-A. Johnson was recalled just yesterday and appeared as a pinch runner in Saturday's game with the Tigers. He scored the tying run in the bottom of the 9th inning but grounded out to first base in the bottom of the 10th to end the game and give the Tigers the win.

Soto has been okay for the Orioles since his call up. He's shown improved plate discipline with a strong .375 OBP but he hasn't been able to hit for power and he's not a standout defender anywhere. Soto should remain an emergency option for the Orioles over the next month but for the most part will be gearing up to try to make the jump in 2025 to being a viable major leaguer.