Baltimore Orioles' Jordan Westburg Undergoes Imaging on Elbow at Spring Training

Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg's injury situation just got a lot more complicated as a new concern has popped up beyond the oblique issue that was already keeping him off the field this spring.

The Baltimore Banner's Andy Kostka reported Thursday that Westburg has had imaging done on his elbow, adding another layer of uncertainty to a spring training that was already off to a rough start for the 27-year-old.

A source with direct knowledge of the situation told Kostka that "Westburg underwent imaging on his elbow" and that "a prognosis is to be determined," which is a troubling sign for a Baltimore team that finished 75-87 last season and is looking to bounce back in 2026.

First-year manager Craig Albernaz didn't put anyone at ease either, telling reporters that Westburg is "unable to participate right now" and that the team wants to "make sure Jordan is in the best chance to play this year," a phrase that carries a lot of weight for what started as a minor setback.

The whole situation has been strange from the beginning because Westburg arrived at camp already dealing with an oblique issue that first surfaced back in January, and the original timeline for that injury was always unclear even though president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Westburg had turned the corner.

Now the conversation has shifted from an oblique to an elbow, and it remains unknown whether Westburg had even started hitting or throwing before this new concern popped up.

Injuries have unfortunately become a theme in Westburg's young career because a broken hand in 2024 after being hit by a pitch and then a hamstring strain and ankle sprain limited him to just 85 games in 2025.

Even with the missed time last season, Westburg was productive when healthy and posted a .265 batting average with 17 home runs, 41 RBIs and a .770 OPS across those 85 games.

Over his three-year career, Westburg has hit .264 with 38 home runs and 127 RBIs in 260 games, and his ability to play both second and third base makes him one of Baltimore's most important young pieces alongside Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman.

If Westburg misses more time, Baltimore has options but none carry the same impact because Coby Mayo could see increased reps at third base while Blaze Alexander and Jeremiah Jackson fill in, and the Orioles have been shopping Mountcastle and Mayo this offseason which makes the depth situation worth watching.

With Jackson Holliday also recovering from a broken hamate bone, Baltimore's infield is thin heading into 2026 and losing Westburg for any stretch would be a big blow to a team trying to go from last in the AL East back to contention.