Orioles’ Jordan Westburg Out for 2026 Season After Elbow Surgery
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg will miss the remainder of the 2026 MLB season after undergoing Tommy John surgery for a partially torn UCL in his right elbow. The decision followed a failed attempt at conservative treatment with platelet-rich plasma injections. This significant setback impacts an already struggling Orioles team dealing with numerous injuries, including the absence of prospect Jackson Holliday. While General Manager Mike Elias expects a full recovery by early 2027, Westburg’s absence forces the team to rely on reserve players to cover second and third base duties during a disappointing campaign.
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Orioles Lose Game and Third Baseman Jordan Westburg for Season
The Baltimore Orioles suffered a significant setback on May 16, 2026, losing a game against the Washington Nationals while simultaneously announcing that key player Jordan Westburg will miss the remainder of the season. Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery, a development that was anticipated due to poor rehab progress but remains a major blow to the team's offensive capabilities. In the game itself, the Orioles struggled against Nationals pitcher Zack Littel, who despite having a high ERA, shut down the lineup for five innings. The Orioles' offense remained stagnant until the ninth inning, where they mounted a late rally. However, the game ended in disappointment when star catcher Adley Rutschman struck out on a half-swing with the bases loaded, failing to capitalize on a scoring opportunity. The loss compounds the team's frustrations in the 2026 season, which has not gone according to plan for General Manager Mike Elias. With Westburg out, the team faces urgent decisions regarding third base, likely involving prospect Jackson Holliday, as other options like Coby Mayo and Weston Wilson have shown limitations.
yahoo sportsBaltimore Orioles' Jordan Westburg Out for 2026 Season After Tommy John Surgery
Baltimore Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias has confirmed that infielder Jordan Westburg will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. The procedure addresses a partially torn UCL initially diagnosed in February, for which the team first attempted a non-surgical treatment using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. However, continued discomfort forced Westburg to stop throwing in May, making surgery unavoidable. While pitchers typically require over a year to recover from UCL repairs, position players often return sooner, with expectations set for Westburg to be ready for the start of the 2027 season as a full-time infielder. This injury marks another setback in Westburg's recent history, following limited games in 2024 and 2025 due to various ailments. His absence adds to the Orioles' growing injury list, which currently includes 13 players such as Jackson Holliday and Ryan Mountcastle. Despite sitting at a 20-24 record, the Orioles believe their season remains salvageable if other players can step up to fill the void left by Westburg and other sidelined teammates.
yahoo sportsOrioles Infielder Jordan Westburg Out for Season After Tommy John Surgery
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. The announcement was made by Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias, confirming that Westburg, 27, suffered a partial UCL tear. Despite receiving a plasma injection in February and attempting a throwing progression, recurring discomfort forced him to shut down activities in May. This injury represents a significant blow to the Orioles, who are already dealing with an extensive injury crisis, having placed over a dozen players on the injured list less than two months into the season. Westburg, a 2024 All-Star selected 30th overall in 2020, has struggled with durability since his 2023 debut, previously missing time due to a fractured hand and hamstring strain. When healthy, he has been a productive offensive contributor, posting a .265 batting average with 38 home runs over the past three seasons. Manager Craig Albernaz emphasized a next-man-up approach, challenging the staff to evaluate all aspects of player care while urging the roster to remain competitive despite the mounting absences.
New York PostOrioles Infielder Jordan Westburg Undergoes Tommy John Surgery, Out for 2026 Season
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg has undergone Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2026 Major League Baseball season. The 27-year-old All-Star suffered a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament and initially attempted a conservative recovery path, including a platelet-rich plasma injection in February. However, after consulting with Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache, Westburg proceeded with the surgical reconstruction, which was performed by Dr. ElAttrache. Orioles General Manager Mike Elias described the procedure as routine and indicated that while a specific timeline is premature, a full return in the early part of 2027 is a realistic expectation. Elias noted that choosing surgery now did not negatively impact Westburg's long-term recovery timeline compared to continued conservative treatment. Westburg, who was an All-Star in 2024, had been limited to 85 games in the previous season due to various injuries, during which he batted .265 with 17 home runs and 41 RBIs. This development marks a significant setback for the Orioles' infield depth as they navigate the current season.
yahoo sportsOrioles' Jordan Westburg Out for Season After Elbow Surgery Decision
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 MLB season after deciding to undergo surgery for a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. Although the team has not officially confirmed the procedure, reports indicate the decision ends his comeback hopes for the current year. Westburg initially suffered oblique soreness during spring training, but elbow pain emerged during rehabilitation. The player and team opted for a conservative treatment plan involving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and rest rather than immediate surgery. This approach ultimately failed as pain returned during throwing progression. The two-month delay in surgical intervention creates uncertainty regarding his readiness for the 2027 season, with recovery timelines ranging from full health by Opening Day to a potential return around Memorial Day. Westburg's absence has significantly impacted the Orioles' performance, particularly at third base, where replacements have posted poor offensive statistics. The situation highlights the risks associated with non-surgical treatments for significant ligament injuries in professional baseball.
yahoo sportsBaltimore Orioles Infielder Jordan Westburg Out for Season After Elbow Surgery
The Baltimore Orioles have lost key infielder Jordan Westburg for the remainder of the 2026 MLB season due to season-ending elbow surgery. The announcement, reported by Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner, confirms that Westburg suffered a partially torn UCL in his right elbow during spring training. This injury adds to a troubling history for the 27-year-old All-Star, who missed significant time in previous seasons due to hand, hamstring, and ankle issues. Westburg's absence significantly impacts an already struggling Orioles offense, which currently ranks 20th in OPS. The team is also dealing with the absence of prospect Jackson Holliday, forcing reliance on replacements like Jeremiah Jackson and Weston Wilson. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles maintain a slim 1.5-game lead over their division rivals, the Boston Red Sox, with a record of 20-24. The two teams are scheduled to face each other in a three-game series in Boston this June. This development highlights the depth challenges facing Baltimore as they attempt to hold their position in the competitive AL East division.
yahoo sportsOrioles' Jordan Westburg Undergoes Season-Ending Right Elbow Surgery
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg has undergone season-ending surgery on his right elbow, ruling him out for the entire 2026 season. The procedure addresses a partial UCL tear, marking a significant setback after Westburg attempted to recover via a platelet-rich plasma injection in February. Although the club has not officially confirmed the news, sources indicate the decision followed consultations with specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache. This injury continues a frustrating trend for the 27-year-old All-Star, who has been plagued by various ailments including hamstring, finger, ankle, and hand injuries over the past two years. Westburg expressed disappointment, noting his rigorous offseason preparation aimed at ensuring durability. In his absence, the Orioles have utilized Coby Mayo, Blaze Alexander, and Weston Wilson at third base, with defensive struggles noted. Additionally, prospect Jackson Holliday is gaining experience at third base during his rehab assignment, potentially offering a future solution upon his return from hamate bone surgery. The team continues to grapple with extensive injury list usage, having already sidelined 19 players this season.
MLB NewsOrioles' Jordan Westburg Out for 2026 Season After Elbow Surgery
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg will undergo season-ending elbow surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2026 MLB season. The decision follows a recent setback in his recovery from a partially torn UCL, which prompted further imaging and medical consultation. Faced with the choice of risking further damage by playing through the injury or undergoing surgery to ensure full health for the future, Westburg opted for the procedure to prioritize his readiness for the 2027 season. This development serves as a significant blow to the Orioles, who are already struggling with a 20-24 record, poor pitching performance, and the absence of other key players like Jackson Holliday. To cover Westburg's duties at second and third base, the team will rely on Jeremiah Jackson, Blaze Alexander, Coby Mayo, and Weston Wilson until Holliday returns. The announcement confirms that Westburg's attempt to return earlier in the year was unsuccessful, shifting the team's focus toward rebuilding and managing roster depth for the rest of the disappointing campaign.
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