The Baltimore Orioles will play its first exhibition game of the spring on Feb. 20, marking the long-awaited return of live baseball.
Yet even as anticipation builds around the start of Grapefruit League action, an unsettling development has cast a shadow over Birdland.
Reports surfaced Wednesday that third baseman Jordan Westburg may be dealing with a more significant injury than initially believed. At the start of camp, the Orioles described the issue as an oblique strain suffered weeks before reporting. Westburg had been limited to work on the side fields but was progressing.
Now, however, there is concern the oblique injury could be more severe than first indicated, and it may be compounded by a potential issue with his throwing elbow. Manager Craig Albernaz acknowledged that Westburg is currently unable to participate in baseball activities, and imaging is being conducted on the elbow to determine the extent of the problem.
The sudden shift in tone is notable. What was initially framed as a relatively minor setback has evolved into a situation that threatens Westburg’s availability for an extended stretch. Given his importance to the lineup and defensive alignment, the uncertainty creates legitimate concern as the regular season approaches.
The Orioles’ recent trade for Blaze Alexander offers some measure of insurance, and the move now appears especially timely. Whether that deal was made with a clearer understanding of Westburg’s condition is unclear, but it underscores the organization’s emphasis on infield depth.
Baltimore will already open the season without Jackson Holliday, and Westburg’s absence would further test the roster’s flexibility. Alexander could see significant time in the infield, while Coby Mayo may receive his first extended opportunity for consistent at-bats. Jeremiah Jackson also factors into the mix, creating several possible alignments depending on how the club distributes innings at third base.
This is precisely why teams stockpile depth, but losing Westburg for a meaningful period would represent a worst-case scenario as camp progresses. His impact last season was evident in the lineup’s overall production and defensive stability.
Even with the offseason additions of Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward bolstering the offense, replacing Westburg’s all-around value would be no simple task.
Should imaging reveal a more serious elbow issue, the possibility of an external addition to fortify the infield cannot be ruled out. Much will hinge on the medical update in the coming days.
On a more routine note, left-hander Trevor Rogers is scheduled to start the Orioles’ first exhibition game Friday against the New York Yankees. The club has yet to announce who will follow him on the mound, though that decision is expected prior to first pitch.
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