One of the Boston Red Sox's American League East competitors will begin the 2026 season without another key player.
Baltimore Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias revealed Friday that Jordan Westburg suffered a partial UCL tear in his right elbow. The infielder is expected to be sidelined at least through April, but surgery isn't required.
"I feel terrible for him," Elias said, per MLB.com's Jake Rill. "He’s one of our hardest workers and one of our best teammates. I know everybody’s feeling for him, and he’s had a lot of terrible luck. But the good news is that our doctors and Dr. [Neal] ElAttrache are optimistic this is something where we can avoid surgery. It’s just going to be some time and some work. We’re pretty confident that we’re going to get him back pretty soon."
It's the latest in a long line of health setbacks for Westburg, who was also experiencing a tweaked oblique. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz raised some concern last week by saying the 27-year-old was "physically unable" to participate in spring training activities.
Westburg's fourth season won't be his first full one in Baltimore. The 2024 All-Star missed two months late that year after getting hit in the hand by a pitch, and hamstring and ankle injuries limited him to just 85 games last season.
When healthy, Westburg has delivered. The right-hander batted .265/.313/.457 with 17 home runs in 352 plate appearances last season, recording a 1.9 fWAR.
Baltimore's infield is already down two starters before March. Second baseman Jackson Holiday is expected to start the season on the IL after undergoing surgery on the hamate bone in his right hand.
These injuries should give Coby Mayo another chance to prove he belongs as the starting third baseman. Blaze Alexander or Jeremiah Jackson could see time at second for an Orioles squad that added sluggers Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward after going a disappointing 75-87 last year.
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