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Orioles Dealt Season-Ending News Before Nationals Game
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- Orioles Dealt Season-Ending News Before Nationals Game
Infielder Jordan Westburg has been a bright spot entering his third season with the Baltimore Orioles . At 20-24 on the year, Baltimore is looking to build momentum following a dominant 7-0 win over the New York Yankees on Thursday. Much of the club's offensive production has come from shortstop Gunnar Henderson and first baseman Pete Alonso .
The Orioles have struggled with inconsistent starting pitching, defensive miscues and an offense that has stalled against left-handed pitching. Because of that, they need the same level of production Westburg provided last season, when he posted a .265 batting average, .313 on-base percentage and .770 OPS with 17 home runs and 41 RBIs across 85 games.
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Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz (55) watches his team play against the Houston Astros © Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images© Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Westburg originally suffered a partial UCL tear in his right throwing elbow during Spring Training in 2026. Rather than undergo surgery immediately, he attempted to rehab the injury with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. He began a throwing program in early April but continued to experience discomfort as he increased the intensity and distance.
Imaging results and a setback in May ultimately revealed the rehab process had been unsuccessful. According to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner, the setback led Westburg to opt for season-ending surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
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This comes as devastating news for Orioles fans, who spent the first few months of the season hoping Westburg's platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and rehabilitation program would allow him to return to the field. While the update provides closure, it also brings disappointment, as many were eager to see the 2024 All-Star continue his campaign.
Baltimore selected the 27-year-old with the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft and is currently on a one-year contract with the Orioles for the remainder of the season.
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On the bright side, undergoing this procedure should give him time to make a full recovery, with the expectation that he will be healthy entering the 2027 season.
Related: Braves' Walt Weiss Shares Sean Murphy Update After Dodgers Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
