Baltimore Orioles third baseman Jordan Westburg was removed from Wednesday’s series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays after suffering a fractured hand. The All-Star infielder Jordan Westburg left the game following a fifth-inning hit-by-pitch on the right wrist. The 25-year-old initially remained in the game after being struck in the hand by Yerry Rodríguez. Westburg scored a run on the Jackson Holliday grand slam before being replaced by Ramón Urías at third base.
Jordan Westburg suffered a right hand fracture during today’s game, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde announced.
There is no timetable for his return. pic.twitter.com/8R6hdYM8nG
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 31, 2024
Orioles Infielder Jordan Westburg Fractures Hand After Hit-By-Pitch
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said postgame that Westburg suffered a right hand fracture and is hopeful he will return “by the end of the regular season.” In his first full season in the majors, Westburg has drawn the bulk of his starts platooning with Urías at third. He has also notched 47 appearances (35 starts) at second this season. Drafted 30th overall by the Orioles in 2020, Westburg made his MLB debut at second base last season. He batted .260/.311/.404 in 68 games and began the 2024 season on the Orioles Opening Day roster. Westburg has been locked in at the plate since the beginning of the season. He is batting .269/.317/.497 with 18 homers, 58 RBI, and an .814 OPS.
Baltimore will place Westburg on the 10-day injured list on Thursday. The Orioles are hopeful he can return before the regular season ends. However, there is no clear timeline for his return. Urías will likely assume the everyday role at third base, as he did when Westburg missed time last month. A Gold Glove third baseman, Urías is starting to heat up, slashing .375/.474/.563 in his last seven games.
Following Jorge Mateo‘s elbow injury and Connor Norby‘s trade to Miami, Baltimore called Holliday back to the majors today. Looming in Triple-A is Baltimore’s No. 3 prospect, infielder Coby Mayo, who is batting .293/.366/.578 for the Tides. With Westburg sidelined potentially through the end of the regular season, now Coby Mayo’s MLB debut could be imminent.
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