Westburg (partial UCL tear) out for all of April; timeline TBD

SARASOTA, Fla. -- A new second injury will delay Jordan Westburg’s start to the 2026 season -- and further ravage the Orioles’ projected starting infield for Opening Day.

After dealing with a tweaked right oblique early in Spring Training, Westburg now also has a partial UCL tear in his right elbow, president of baseball operations Mike Elias announced on Friday. The 27-year-old -- who reported soreness after throwing during a recent Spring Training workout -- will get a platelet-rich plasma injection on Friday and will be out through the end of April. His timeline is TBD after that.

"I feel terrible for him," Elias said. "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."

Westburg, who was the projected starting third baseman, and second baseman Jackson Holliday (broken hamate bone in right hand) will both begin the year on the injured list. Holliday should return much earlier, though, as the 22-year-old is expected to be playing by mid-April.

It's not the way the Orioles hoped to open camp after 29 players spent time on the injured list during their 75-87 season in 2025. It’s also another tough blow for Westburg, whose career has been filled with injuries to this point, as the 2024 All-Star didn’t play more than 107 games in any of his first three MLB seasons.

In 2024, Westburg missed nearly two months due to a fractured right hand. In ‘25, he dealt with a back ailment in Spring Training, though he was ready to go by Opening Day. He later went on the IL because of a left hamstring strain (April 27-June 10) and a right ankle sprain (Aug. 19-Sept. 16) and missed some games with a left index finger injury.

Westburg tweaked his right oblique in mid-January, which Elias shared on the first day of Spring Training workouts on Feb. 11. Elias thought Westburg had turned a corner at that point and that he’d only miss a few Grapefruit League games without putting his Opening Day status in jeopardy.

Then, Westburg reported the soreness in his elbow. After being evaluated by the Orioles' medical team, he traveled to Los Angeles to meet with ElAttrache, whose second opinion was in line with the initial prognosis. Elias said it appeared Westburg actually may have had a partial UCL tear for some time, but it had never risen to this level until the most recent flare-up.

When healthy, Westburg has been among Baltimore’s top hitters. Last year, he hit .265 with 10 doubles, one triple, 17 home runs, 41 RBIs and a .770 OPS in 85 games. He owns a .264/.312/.456 slash line over 260 career games.

"Missing Jordan for any reason at any time is always tough," Elias said. "But it’s part of the game and we’ll work around it and we’ll figure out the best way to carry forward, and look forward to getting him back as soon as possible and as strong as possible."

"It’s a big blow for us, for sure," manager Craig Albernaz added. "But also, you just more feel for Westy and all the work he’s put in. So we’ll support him, and we’ll make sure that he has everything he needs to get back on the field."

The absence of Westburg will open a starting opportunity for Coby Mayo, who had been part of a logjam at first base with Pete Alonso and Ryan Mountcastle. Mayo, a former top prospect, played third base when coming up through the Minors -- and early in his two-year MLB career -- and has been getting most of his work at the position this spring.

With Holliday and Westburg ticketed for the IL, utility man Blaze Alexander and Mayo are the favorites to start at second and third, respectively. Alexander could get more time at third once Holliday returns.

There also could now be a roster spot open for infielder/outfielder Jeremiah Jackson, who can play second, third and right field. The 25-year-old has primarily been at second during camp workouts this spring.

Position players with UCL injuries often return as a designated hitter first, allowing them to play earlier in their recovery timeline. However, Elias is not yet sure whether that will be a possibility for Westburg down the line.

"Whether that’s something we’re going to be going down that road with him, it’s way too soon," Elias said. "Way too many factors to speak to that."