Jordan Westburg Eyes Return as Orioles Open Spring with Injury Updates and Player Developments
SARASOTA - Jordan Westburg’s 2025 season never quite got off the ground the way he-or the Orioles-had hoped. A string of injuries, including hamstring, ankle, and finger issues, limited the 26-year-old infielder to just 85 games. Still, when he was on the field, he made his presence felt: a .265 average, .770 OPS, 17 home runs, and 41 RBIs speak to the kind of impact he can have in a lineup.
Now, as the Orioles get set to open Grapefruit League play, Westburg finds himself sidelined again-this time with a right oblique injury. He won’t be suiting up in the early spring games, but he’s staying positive and focused on the long road ahead.
“I feel pretty good now,” Westburg said. “I’m happy with the way things are progressing.”
He’s not hiding his frustration, though. After putting in the work all offseason to stay healthy, this latest setback is tough to stomach.
“Obviously, frustrated and disappointed that I can’t come into spring healthy,” he said. “I felt like I was doing everything right, and here we are again.”
The oblique injury didn’t stem from a dramatic moment-it crept up quietly. Westburg said he woke up feeling sore, tried to manage it by limiting his swings and throws, but the discomfort only worsened. Eventually, he reported it to the training staff, got an MRI in Baltimore, and began his rehab program before heading down to Sarasota.
For now, he’s taking it one step at a time.
“I’m just trying to take it day-by-day and trust in the athletic training and strength staff’s plan for my rehab,” Westburg said. “I’m hoping to get back in games. When that is, I can’t really speak to.”
As for the infield picture, Westburg isn’t yet thinking about a potential shift to second base following Jackson Holliday’s injury. The top prospect is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for a broken hamate bone in his right hand.
“I’m not even there yet in my rehab progression,” Westburg said. “I’ll tackle that when it gets handed to me. As of right now, I’m preparing mentally for third.”
That’s been his primary position over the last year, and he’s keeping his focus there for now. But he’s open to moving around if needed.
“If I got asked to move over and take some more reps at second, I don’t mind it. I like playing second base, too.”
Manager Craig Albernaz made it clear: Westburg is a key piece of the Orioles’ puzzle.
“Extremely important,” Albernaz said. “Westy is such a great ballplayer-the skills, the at-bat quality, the versatility at the plate, what he brings in the clubhouse. He’s a quiet leader in that clubhouse.”
The Orioles aren’t rushing him back. Their focus isn’t on the first game of spring-it’s on Opening Day.
“That’s our north star,” Albernaz said. “That’s what we’re preaching to Westy and to all our guys.”
Pitchers and Hitters Ramp Up in Sarasota
While Westburg continues his rehab, other Orioles were active on the field at Ed Smith Stadium. Pitchers Albert Suárez, Keegan Akin, Dietrich Enns, Rico Garcia, Yaramil Hiraldo, and Grant Wolfram got in their work on the mound.
On the hitting side, some of the organization’s most exciting young bats were getting their swings in: Samuel Basallo, Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Jeremiah Jackson, Heston Kjerstad, Coby Mayo, Tyler O’Neill, Adley Rutschman, and Reed Trimble all took part in batting practice.
Bradfield Jr. Prepares for World Baseball Classic
Enrique Bradfield Jr. will be leaving camp on March 1 to represent Team Panama in the World Baseball Classic. It’s a big opportunity for the young outfielder, and the Orioles want to make sure he’s ready for the challenge.
“We want to make sure he’s going to the WBC ready to play,” Albernaz said.
That means ramping up his running, workload, and even getting him reps in left or right field-just to ensure he’s getting enough at-bats before the tournament. The team knows he’s a center fielder by trade, but the priority right now is preparation.
Reed Trimble: More Than Just Speed
One of the more intriguing names in camp is outfielder Reed Trimble. The 25-year-old was added to the Orioles’ 40-man roster in November after a quietly impressive 2025 campaign.
In 90 games across four affiliates, Trimble hit .259 with an .827 OPS and swiped 21 bases without being caught. In fact, he’s a perfect 61-for-61 in stolen base attempts over his minor league career.
That kind of efficiency on the basepaths is rare. But Trimble doesn’t want to be seen as just a speedster.
“I like to think I can affect the game in every single way,” he said. “From hitting to defense to speed.”
He’s had his share of injury setbacks since being drafted in the second round in 2021, but now he’s healthy and eager to show what he can do.
“It was actually my dad’s birthday,” Trimble said, recalling the moment he found out he was being added to the 40-man. “I got to tell him the news. It was pretty surreal, knowing how these past few years have gone.”
Albernaz sees the potential, too.
“He’s had some injury history in the minor leagues, but the tools jump out at you-the speed, the bat, the way he plays outfield,” the manager said. “We don’t want to put ‘fifth outfielder’ on him.
I think the ceiling is higher. He has time to develop.”
Fan Access and Spring Buzz
Orioles fans have been enjoying unprecedented access to spring training workouts, with free admission continuing through February 19. Even when Grapefruit League games begin on February 20, fans will still be able to watch pregame workouts.
There’s a buzz around camp this year, fueled by an aggressive offseason and a clubhouse full of talent. Westburg, despite his current injury, is feeling that energy.
“It was an exciting offseason for the organization, just the aggressiveness, the additions we made,” he said. “It was one after another, after another, still happening.
I’m excited to meet all these guys, to welcome them in. They’ve been great so far, the guys I’ve interacted with down here.
This is a really exciting year for us.”
Quick Hit: Number Swap
Leody Taveras was originally assigned No. 40, but that number belongs to Chris Bassitt-who’s worn it for years. Taveras will now wear 67.
As spring unfolds in Sarasota, the Orioles are balancing cautious optimism with high expectations. Westburg’s return will be a key storyline, but he’s far from the only one to watch. From Trimble’s all-around game to Bradfield’s WBC prep, this camp is full of intrigue-and the O’s are just getting started.