Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg is set to undergo elbow surgery, sidelining him for the rest of the season, as reported by Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Westburg is already on the 60-day injured list, and this confirms his absence for the remainder of the campaign.
This news, while disappointing, isn’t entirely unexpected. In February, Westburg was diagnosed with a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament. At that time, he tried a non-surgical treatment that included a platelet-rich plasma injection. However, ongoing discomfort led to him being shut down from throwing, making surgery the only option left.
Some might question why surgery wasn’t the first choice. Teams often seek non-invasive solutions initially, as surgeries come with lengthy recovery periods. If successful, these alternatives can allow players to return sooner. Unfortunately, for Westburg, that path didn’t pan out, and he’ll miss another full season—2026.
Injuries have plagued Westburg’s career. After a standout season in 2024, which saw him play in only 107 games due to a hand fracture, he faced more setbacks in 2025 with a hamstring strain and ankle sprain, limiting him to just 85 games. With surgery this year, he’ll cross three years of service time, setting him up for arbitration eligibility and extending his prospect with the team through 2029.
Currently, Westburg is one of 13 players on the disabled list for the Orioles, contributing to a shaky start to their season with a 20-24 record. This injury also affects the team’s infield depth. Since Westburg and Jackson Holliday are unavailable, Baltimore has had to rely on backup options. Gunnar Henderson has taken over shortstop, and Coby Mayo has stepped in at third base but is struggling with a .174 batting average. Jeremiah Jackson has been filling in at second base with marginally better numbers at .238.
The team’s slow start puts them just a game and a half out of a playoff spot, thanks to other struggling teams in the American League. As the trade deadline approaches, the Orioles may look for infield help to bolster their roster. With each game counting, the coming months will be crucial, and the team must adapt in Westburg’s absence.
Injuries like these not only affect player careers but also shift team strategies and dynamics. As the season progresses, Westburg’s recovery journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
For more details on player injuries and recovery, check out resources like the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
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