Orioles' Jordan Westburg to Avoid Tommy John Surgery for Elbow Injury

Infielder will miss start of season but has chance to return sooner than expected

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg has been diagnosed with a partially torn UCL in his elbow, but will not require Tommy John surgery. Instead, he will undergo PRP injections and is expected to miss at least the month of April, with his timeline beyond that still to be determined.

Why it matters

Westburg is an All-Star caliber player for the Orioles, so his absence will be a significant blow to the team's lineup to start the season. However, the decision to avoid Tommy John surgery gives him a chance to return sooner than if he had undergone the more extensive procedure.

The details

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias revealed that Westburg suffered the partially torn UCL, but will not require Tommy John surgery. Instead, he will receive platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and is expected to miss at least the month of April, with his timeline beyond that still to be determined.

  • On February 20, 2026, the Orioles announced Westburg's injury and recovery plan.

The players

Jordan Westburg

An All-Star infielder for the Baltimore Orioles who is dealing with a partially torn UCL in his elbow.

Mike Elias

The president of baseball operations for the Baltimore Orioles, who provided the update on Westburg's injury.

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What they’re saying

“Jordan Westburg has a partially torn UCL, per Mike Elias. He will not get Tommy John surgery. The team is opting for PRP injections. He will be out through April, Elias said. His timeline after that is TBD.”

— Jacob Calvin Meyer, Reporter (The Baltimore Sun)

What’s next

The Orioles will monitor Westburg's recovery progress and provide updates on his potential return timeline beyond April.

The takeaway

While the Orioles will miss Westburg's production to start the season, the decision to avoid Tommy John surgery gives him a chance to return sooner than expected and limits the long-term impact of the injury.