Jordan Westburg Diagnosed with Partial UCL Tear

Jordan Westburg, third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, has been diagnosed with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, as announced by Mike Elias, the president of baseball operations. The diagnosis took place during a press briefing earlier today.

Injury Details and Treatment Plan

For the time being, Westburg will not undergo surgery. Instead, he will receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection today. This treatment aims to help avoid more invasive procedures like Tommy John surgery or the placement of an internal brace, both of which could sideline him for much of the 2026 season.

Recovery Timeline

Westburg is expected to miss at least the month of April. His recovery timeline will depend on the effectiveness of the PRP injection. Generally, recovery from UCL surgery can take around six months for position players. In comparison, pitchers may require a longer recuperation time.

Potential Outcomes

• If successful, Westburg may be able to return as a designated hitter before the end of the season.
• Immediate surgery would likely mean a return only as a DH by August, with limited chances to play third base.
• There is also a risk of missing the entirety of the 2026 campaign if major surgery is needed.

Previous Players’ Experiences

Notable examples include Bryce Harper, who had Tommy John surgery in November 2022 and returned as a DH roughly five months later. Similarly, Trevor Story, who opted for an internal brace procedure in January 2023, was back in the lineup seven months later.

Impact on the Team

Westburg’s injury adds to the challenges facing the Orioles. They will also be without second baseman Jackson Holliday, who recently had surgery for a hamate fracture. With both players sidelined, the team faces a significant alteration to their starting infield.

Infield Adjustments

As Westburg recovers, former top prospect Coby Mayo is expected to take over at third base. Additionally, the Orioles could utilize trade acquisition Blaze Alexander or utility player Jeremiah Jackson for added depth in the infield.

Future Considerations

The Orioles may seek to add veteran infield depth as the season progresses. Several unsigned players, including Ramón Urías and José Iglesias, could provide options for the team as they aim to navigate this setback.

Westburg, at 27 years old, has shown promise as a solid player in his brief career, hitting .264 with 38 home runs and 53 doubles across 1,027 plate appearances. However, injuries have frequently hindered his ability to play a full season, raising concerns about his continuity in the 2026 campaign.