Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg is currently sidelined due to a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), Baltimore Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias confirmed on Friday. According to Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun, the team has decided that Westburg will forego Tommy John surgery in favor of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
Treatment Plan and Expected Absence
Westburg’s recovery plan involves PRP therapy instead of the more invasive Tommy John surgery, which typically sidelines players for an entire season. Elias stated that Westburg will miss all of April, but his return timeline beyond that remains uncertain. This treatment approach offers hope for a quicker comeback in the 2026 campaign and lessened disruption to the Orioles’ roster.
Impact on the Orioles’ Lineup and Injury Challenges
The Orioles are navigating multiple injury setbacks at the start of the season, including the absence of prospect Jackson Holliday. Westburg’s injury is a significant blow given his recent offensive contributions. The 2024 All-Star had a solid 2025 season, participating in 85 games with a .265 batting average, 17 home runs, and a .770 OPS. His absence leaves a notable gap in the Orioles’ right-handed hitting options.
Ongoing Concerns and Team Outlook
Although the update on Westburg’s condition presents a relatively positive alternative to surgery, the Orioles face the challenge of filling in for his production while he recovers. The health of other key players during spring training will be critical as Baltimore aims to maintain competitive momentum into the new season. The organization remains hopeful that both Westburg and Holliday can return without extended absences.
Jordan Westburg has a partially torn UCL, per Mike Elias. He will not get Tommy John surgery.
The team is opting for PRP injections. He will be out through April, Elias said.
His timeline after that is TBD.
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) February 20, 2026
