Orioles Lose All-Star Infielder Westburg for Over a Month

Partial UCL tear will sideline Westburg through April, putting a key player's status in doubt for the start of the season.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The Baltimore Orioles have received bad news about the status of All-Star infielder Jordan Westburg, who will miss at least the first month of the 2026 season due to a partial UCL tear in his right elbow. Westburg, who was set to be a prominent hitter for the Orioles this year, will undergo a PRP injection and is expected to be out well into April, dealing a significant blow to the team's hopes of returning to the playoffs.

Why it matters

Westburg's injury is a major setback for the Orioles, who were counting on the 27-year-old to be a key part of their lineup as they look to build on their success from last season. The AL East is expected to be highly competitive, and the Orioles can ill afford to be without one of their top players for an extended period.

The details

According to reports, Westburg suffered a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow and will receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. The injury will sideline him for at least the first month of the season, and his status beyond that is uncertain. Westburg was limited to just 85 games last season due to injury, and this latest setback raises concerns about his durability.

  • Westburg will miss all of Spring Training and the first month of the 2026 regular season.
  • The Orioles' season opener is scheduled for March 28, 2026.

The players

Jordan Westburg

A 27-year-old infielder for the Baltimore Orioles who was set to be a key part of their lineup this season.

Mike Elias

The President of Baseball Operations and General Manager of the Baltimore Orioles.

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What they’re saying

“Jordan Westburg has a partial UCL tear in his right elbow and will be getting PRP injection today, per Orioles POBO/GM Mike Elias.”

— Jake Rill, MLB.com reporter (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Orioles will need to determine a timeline for Westburg's return and how they will fill his absence in the lineup to start the season.

The takeaway

Westburg's injury is a significant blow to the Orioles' hopes of returning to the playoffs, as he was expected to be a key part of their lineup. The team will need to find a way to weather his absence and ensure he is fully healthy when he does return to action.