Orioles Face Early Spring Training Challenges with Westburg's Injury
Jordan Westburg's arrival at Orioles spring training took an unexpected turn as he found himself on the "surprise offseason injury" list due to a sore oblique. However, the situation has become more complicated with emerging concerns about his elbow. These worries, initially dismissed by less credible sources, have now gained traction in mainstream media, with The Baltimore Banner’s Andy Kostka revealing that Westburg has undergone imaging on his elbow.
The Orioles have yet to release an official statement about Westburg's condition. Reporters, including Kostka and MASN’s Roch Kubatko, sought clarity from manager Craig Albernaz. When pressed about Westburg's status beyond the oblique issue, Albernaz responded cautiously, stating, “He’s physically unable to participate right now,” without directly addressing the elbow concerns.
Albernaz’s comments, particularly his emphasis on ensuring Westburg is ready to play this year, hint at the possibility of a more serious injury than initially suggested. Just a day ago, there seemed to be no indication that Westburg's season could be in jeopardy. An oblique injury typically wouldn’t sideline a player for the entire season, which makes the situation more troubling.
With Kostka’s report surfacing soon after these discussions, the outlook appears grim. Secretive elbow imaging and references to "due diligence" often lead to more serious conclusions, even though elbow surgeries are rare for infielders. For now, the Orioles and their fans are left in suspense.
As the Orioles prepare for exhibition games, they already face the prospect of reshuffling their infield lineup. Westburg’s injury, combined with Jackson Holliday’s broken hamate bone, means that Opening Day will likely feature unexpected faces at second and third base.
If Westburg is sidelined for an extended period, the Orioles must assess whether Coby Mayo can competently handle third base at the major league level during the Grapefruit League schedule. Mayo’s performance, especially if he can replicate his impressive hitting from last September, could mitigate the impact of Westburg’s absence. If Mayo isn’t the solution, the team will need to explore other options.
Blaze Alexander, recently acquired by the Orioles, emerges as a potential temporary solution at second base until Holliday returns. Although Alexander wasn’t brought in with this scenario in mind, circumstances have thrust him into this role.
The Orioles face an early test of their depth and resilience, and how they navigate these challenges could set the tone for the rest of their season.