BASEBALL: O's INF Jordan Westburg physically 'unable to participate'

Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg did not join the team for Thursday’s spring training workout, and manager Craig Albernaz is unsure when he will return.

"He's unable to participate right now," said the first-year manager. "He's being evaluated by our medical team and outside specialists. We're looking to see what's going on with Jordan and get him ready to go."

Westburg, 27, experienced a tightening in his right oblique early in spring training. Albernaz did not confirm if the oblique is the reason for his absence and did not rule out other injuries.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias previously said the oblique injury dates back to January. However, The Baltimore Banner reported Thursday that Westburg has also undergone imaging on his elbow.

"He's just physically unable to go," Albernaz said. "We want to make sure we do our due diligence and give Jordan the best chance to play this year."

Injuries have been a recurring challenge for Westburg during his three seasons with Baltimore. Drafted 30th overall in 2020 out of Mississippi State, he played 85 games last season but missed time due to a left hamstring injury and a sprained ankle. He also missed part of 2025 spring training with back tightness. In 2024, he played 107 games, earned an All-Star selection, but was sidelined for seven weeks with a fractured hand.

Over his 260-game MLB career, Westburg has a .264 batting average with 38 home runs and 127 RBIs. -Field Level Media/Reuters