The Orioles are facing a challenging start to the season with the news that infielder Jordan Westburg has suffered a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. Orioles president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, shared on Friday that Westburg will be sidelined for several weeks. Instead of opting for surgery, Westburg will undergo platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, a treatment that could potentially allow him to return later in the season, possibly as a designated hitter if all goes well.
This setback leaves a significant gap both in the Orioles' lineup and at third base, especially with the team already missing another infielder, Jackson Holliday, due to a hand injury sustained just before spring training. To cover for these losses, the Orioles are looking at a mix of newly acquired Blaze Alexander, along with Coby Mayo and Jeremiah Jackson, to step up and fill the void at third base.
The team is hopeful that the PRP treatment will be effective, enabling Westburg to make a comeback sooner rather than later. It's a tough break for the Orioles, but they’re adapting and ready to see how their new lineup adjustments will play out as the season unfolds.