Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg has a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), the team announced Thursday.
President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias announced the injury to reporters, according to The Baltimore Banner. The revelation came after the 26-year-old complained of elbow discomfort while rehabbing from an oblique injury.
Orioles POBO/GM Mike Elias is now scheduled to meet with the media here in Sarasota at 9:50 a.m. ET.
Could be an update on Jordan Westburg.
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) February 20, 2026
The utility infielder underwent imaging on Wednesday and had been awaiting options, while manager Craig Albernaz stated that Westburg was “physically unable to practice,” according to The Banner.
The team is opting for the utility player to get a platelet-rich plasma injection to try and heal the tear rather than surgery, The Banner reported. Westburg will likely be out until at least April and might not see game action until May or June at the earliest.
Though not confirmed, Westburg could be out for longer if he must undergo reconstructive surgery on his UCL.
Orioles Already Losing Players Before Spring Training
Baltimore is already facing shortages in their lineup and in their bullpen due to injuries.
Earlier this month, former first-overall prospect Jackson Holliday underwent surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his hand. The injury could force the 22-year-old to miss opening day. Closer Felix Bautista is also expected to miss 2026 recovering from a torn labrum and rotator cuff.
The Orioles also will be without relief pitcher Colin Selby, who was placed on the 60-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. No other players are facing any injury concerns at this time, but that is subject to change as spring training commences.
Who Replaces Westburg?
As of publication time, it’s unclear who would be the third baseman for the Orioles. Westburg had played 52 games at the position in 2025, limited to 85 games overall due to lingering injury concerns, including his hand and ankle.
In 2025, the 26-year-old hit .265/.313/.770 with 17 home runs and 41 RBIs. He also earned an all-star nod in 2024, hitting .264/.312/.792 with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs.
WE HAVE A LINEUP
Mayo getting the start at third, Jeremiah Jackson starting at second and Heston Kjerstad out in left
Excited to see Alonso for the first time! #Birdland pic.twitter.com/eoGENpXwAv
— SleeperOrioles (@SleeperOrioles) February 20, 2026
The team could turn to Coby Mayo, who transitioned to playing first base before being called up to the majors. With Pete Alonso now occupying the spot, that could end up being his destination. Fangraphs also lists Jeremiah Jackson as an infield utilityman who could play.
Main Photo Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
