Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg, already sidelined by an oblique injury during spring camp, now faces additional worries after being sent for imaging on his elbow. While he was initially expected to miss only the start of the exhibition schedule due to the oblique strain, reports indicate the elbow injury may be more serious, potentially leading to a longer absence. The exact results of the imaging have not been made public, but concerns are mounting over Westburg’s availability for the coming season.
Manager Albernaz Confirms Medical Assessments Underway
When asked about the possibility of Westburg dealing with an elbow issue on top of his oblique injury, Orioles manager Craig Albernaz acknowledged the situation is still unfolding. He explained to reporters,
“Right now, he’s physically unable to participate. So he’s getting evaluated by a medical team and also outside people to make sure we have a plan in place and see what’s going on with Jordan and get him going.”
This statement highlights the team’s cautious approach as they seek clarity about Westburg’s condition and timeline for recovery.
Baltimore’s Infield Depth Shrinks Amidst Injuries
Westburg’s current troubles add further strain to Baltimore’s already thin infield roster. Second baseman Jackson Holliday is recovering from a recently diagnosed hamate fracture and is expected to begin the season on the injured list. Normally the Orioles’ primary third baseman, Westburg’s versatility allowed him to cover second base, potentially filling Holliday’s role while other players like Coby Mayo, Blaze Alexander, or Jeremiah Jackson handled third base duties. With Westburg now sidelined, the likelihood of his joining Holliday on the injured list increases, exacerbating the team’s defensive challenges.
Westburg’s Injury History Raises Red Flags
Since making his major league debut in 2023, the 27-year-old Westburg has demonstrated consistent productivity when healthy, yet durability has remained a major concern. Despite his talent, he has never exceeded 107 games or 447 plate appearances in a single MLB season. His injury history includes time on the injured list for a broken hand, hamstring strains, and an ankle sprain. Westburg’s overall batting line stands at .264/.312/.456 across 1,027 major league plate appearances, but combined with minor league time, he has only appeared in 341 games over the past three seasons.
Coby Mayo Steps Into a Critical Role Amid Uncertainty
Amid the setbacks, Baltimore has been closely monitoring former top prospect Coby Mayo at third base during spring training. Though drafted as a third baseman, there have been longstanding questions from scouts about his ability to handle the position defensively, which led to much of his major league experience coming at first base. With Pete Alonso’s signing and the ongoing injury issues in the infield, Mayo has been receiving extended opportunities to sharpen his defense on the hot corner, aiming to provide the Orioles with additional depth if needed.
Trade Rumors Surrounding Mayo and Potential Impact
Mayo’s name has circulated in trade discussions this winter, with The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal noting that Baltimore remains engaged in talks regarding the 24-year-old infielder. However, the uncertainty now surrounding Westburg’s health could reduce the likelihood of Mayo being traded unless the Orioles seek to exchange him for a more seasoned veteran infielder. The shifting dynamics underscore how Westburg’s elbow injury may influence roster and trade decisions as Baltimore evaluates its infield options.
Orioles Might Explore Alternative Infield Options
Should Westburg’s absence extend, Baltimore has potential options outside the current roster. Players like Ramón Urías, José Iglesias, Emmanuel Rivera, and utility veterans Jon Berti and Luis Urías remain unsigned and could offer additional defensive versatility. While none would match Westburg’s offensive production at peak health, these players could deepen the infield group. Moreover, trade possibilities extend beyond familiar names, with Blaze Alexander, acquired from Arizona in a somewhat unexpected deal for Kade Strowd and prospects, providing flexible infield coverage in both second and third base roles.
Blaze Alexander’s Versatility Offers Valuable Support
Alexander delivered a .230/.323/.383 batting line in 74 games last season but showed improvement late, hitting .239/.338/.415 after the D-backs traded Eugenio Suárez, thereby becoming Arizona’s primary third baseman. His ability to handle multiple infield positions could prove valuable for Baltimore given the current injuries, supporting both second and third base coverage at crucial moments.
Implications for Baltimore’s Season and Roster Strategy
The uncertainty surrounding Jordan Westburg’s elbow condition adds significant tension to the Orioles as they prepare for the upcoming season. His role as a versatile and productive infielder means that a prolonged absence would force Baltimore to adapt quickly, leaning heavily on younger players like Mayo and Alexander or exploring external options. The team’s medical evaluations and potential roster moves will be critical in shaping Baltimore’s infield stability and offensive competitiveness amid ongoing injury challenges.
Jordan Westburg News… pic.twitter.com/h2DCxNYPjh
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