Jordan Westburg's season-ending elbow surgery is a setback for the Orioles and a personal blow to the young infielder. This injury, a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament, has been a recurring theme in Westburg's career, with a history of hand fractures, hamstring strains, and ankle sprains. The 2024 breakout season, limited to just 107 games, was followed by a dip in 2025, with only 85 games played due to various injuries. Now, with the entire 2026 season on the line, Westburg's future with the Orioles is uncertain.
The decision to try a non-surgical approach initially was a strategic move, aiming to keep Westburg on the field for a potential late-season impact. However, the continued discomfort led to the inevitable conclusion that surgery was necessary. While this outcome isn't surprising, it's a disappointment for both the player and the team. The Orioles, already battling a string of injuries, are now without one of their key infielders, with Jackson Holliday, Dylan Beavers, Ryan Mountcastle, and Heston Kjerstad also on the injured list.
The impact of these injuries is felt across the team's performance. With Westburg and Holliday out, the Orioles have had to shuffle their lineup, with Gunnar Henderson at shortstop and Pete Alonso at first base. Coby Mayo, who was supposed to be the third baseman, has struggled, producing a dismal .174/.242/.321 line. Jeremiah Jackson, while better than Mayo, is still hitting subpar numbers at .238/.259/.400. Blaze Alexander has tried to fill the void, but his .244/.299/.289 line hasn't been enough to make up for the losses.
The Orioles' season is still salvageable, as they sit just a game and a half out of a playoff spot in the American League. However, with Westburg's absence, the team will need to rely on other players to step up. The trade deadline could be an opportunity for the Orioles to bolster their infield, but it remains to be seen if the current players will deliver the needed results. Westburg's future with the team is uncertain, and the organization will have to make tough decisions regarding his role and the team's overall strategy moving forward.
