Orioles' Jordan Westburg Sidelined with Elbow Injury, Raising Concerns for 2024 Season

Partial UCL tear sidelines star third baseman, adding to Orioles' early-season injury woes

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:52am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conceptually representing the fragmented state of the Orioles' roster due to injuries.The Orioles' lineup faces a fractured future as injuries sideline key players, challenging the team's depth and resilience.Baltimore Today

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Jordan Westburg has been sidelined for at least the month of April due to a partial tear in the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of his throwing elbow. This latest injury setback comes after Westburg was already recovering from a right oblique strain that kept him out of spring training. The Orioles' GM Mike Elias confirmed the news, stating that Westburg will undergo a platelet injection to treat the elbow issue, with a return timeline uncertain until after April. Westburg's history of injuries, including a left hamstring strain, right ankle sprain, and a broken right hand, has some questioning the team's training and recovery protocols.

Why it matters

Westburg's absence is a significant blow for the Orioles, as he has been a cornerstone of their lineup, hitting .265 with 17 home runs and 41 RBIs in 85 games last season. His power and consistency at the plate have been crucial for the team, and his injury leaves a glaring hole in the middle of the order. The Orioles will also be without second baseman Jackson Holliday, who is recovering from a broken hamate bone, further testing the team's depth early in the season. These setbacks raise questions about the Orioles' ability to compete in a tough AL East division, as they look to overcome these challenges and maintain their playoff aspirations.

The details

In 2024, Westburg had a breakout season, hitting .265 with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs in 107 games, even earning an All-Star nod before a pitch broke his right hand and sidelined him for nearly two months. Now, the 27-year-old is facing another significant injury, this time to his throwing elbow. The Orioles' GM, Mike Elias, confirmed that Westburg is undergoing a platelet injection to treat the partial UCL tear, but a clear return timeline won't be known until after April. Westburg's history of injuries, including a left hamstring strain, right ankle sprain, and the broken right hand, has some questioning the team's training and recovery protocols, wondering if this is just bad luck or a deeper issue.

  • Westburg was already on the mend after a right oblique injury kept him out of spring training.
  • Westburg is expected to be sidelined at least through April due to the elbow injury.

The players

Jordan Westburg

The Orioles' powerhouse third baseman who is sidelined with a partial UCL tear in his throwing elbow.

Mike Elias

The general manager of the Baltimore Orioles, who confirmed Westburg's injury and the team's plan for his recovery.

Jackson Holliday

The Orioles' 22-year-old phenom second baseman, who is also recovering from a broken hamate bone in his right hand and is expected to return by mid-April.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

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— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

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The takeaway

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