Jordan Westburg Injury Update Concerns Baltimore Orioles Fans

Some believe that the two most important positions in baseball are catcher and shortstop. Although I believe that is true, third base is arguably the third most important position. Playing the hot corner isn't for everyone, as it's a position that takes a ton of skill defensively.

Fortunately for the Baltimore Orioles, they found an extremely talented third baseman in the 2020 MLB Draft, where they selected infielder Jordan Westburg out of Mississippi State 30th overall. 

Westburg was one of Baltimore's most coveted prospects throughout his time in the minor leagues, so when he made his MLB debut in 2023, his talents were evident. 

Westburg had a modest rookie year in Baltimore, as he produced a .715 OPS with 3 home-runs, 23 RBI's and a 1.2 WAR in 68 games played. Many believed in Westburg's upside, even labeling him as a franchise cornerstone at third base. 

Heading into 2024, Westburg had his breakthrough season as he was a first time All-Star and posted a .792 OPS with 63 RBI's and a 2.4 WAR over 107 games. 

Westburg had an extremely strong sophomore season, but there was one glaring issue. Injuries. Westburg missed 55 games from August to late September due to a hand fracture from being hit by a pitch.  

This would start an uphill battle against the injury bug for Westburg. 

In 2025, Westburg would miss 77 games after suffering a hamstring injury and ankle sprain. However, when Westburg was healthy, all he did was produce. 

Westburg finished the 2025 season with a .265/.313/.457 slash-line, blasting 17 home-runs and driving in 41 RBI's in a limited sample size. 

The concern with Westburg has never been his baseball abilities, but instead his injury history and concerns. 

Recently, Westburg was diagnosed with a mild oblique strain that would keep him sidelined for a few weeks of spring training. Not a big deal as the expectation was that he'd be ready by opening day. 

Unfortunately for Westburg, the injury bug once again, hit him. 

Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner reported that Westburg will undergo imaging on his right elbow. Although the results have not been disclosed, fans are still frustrated and worried that Westburg's recent elbow injury could turn into something worse. 

Baltimore manager Craig Albernaz was asked to comment on Westburg's injury status. 

"He [Westburg] is physically unable to participate right now," said Albernaz. 

Albernaz would not comment on whether Westburg is dealing with an elbow injury in addition to his oblique strain. 

While an elbow injury is no joke, Baltimore has the proper replacements in house to fill the void of Westburg if he were to miss an extended period of time.

Former top prospect Coby Mayo has been in the center of trade rumors for the past month, but the possibility of Westburg missing time could increase Mayo's opportunities to be the teams everyday third baseman.

In the month of September, Mayo displayed why he's deserving of having a role on this team, as in 73 at-bats he hit five home-runs, drove in eight RBI's, and posted a .301/.393/.548 slash line which is good for a .941 OPS. 

The concern with Mayo isn't with his bat, it's with his defense. However, I believe that with a full spring training of playing third base, Mayo could be more fit to lock down the position in Westburg's absence. 

All we know right now is that Westburg is dealing with two major injuries that could greatly affect his status not just for opening day, but for the whole season.