Orioles’ Jordan Westburg Physically Unable to Participate

The Baltimore Orioles head into spring training with a handful of health headaches. Third baseman Jordan Westburg can’t participate right now because of a right oblique problem and some unclear elbow trouble.

Westburg’s getting checked out by both the team’s doctors and some outside specialists. Baltimore’s trying to walk the line between letting him heal and needing to put a good lineup on the field.

To make things messier, the team just announced that second baseman Jackson Holliday will start the season on the shelf after surgery for a broken hamate bone in his right hand. These injuries are already shaping early roster choices and the infield picture for 2025, and honestly, it’s not the best way to kick off camp.

Westburg’s Spring Training Status and What It Means

Manager Craig Albernaz said Westburg can’t do spring work right now. Doctors are still figuring out how bad his oblique is and if his elbow makes things worse.

The team wants to keep Westburg healthy but also needs a plan for getting him back later this season. Not knowing what’s going on with his elbow just makes things even more uncertain for a guy who’s been a steady bat the last few years.

Impact on Westburg’s Role and Orioles’ Infield Depth

Westburg just turned 27. He’s already proven he can help the Orioles’ lineup, no question about it.

In 2024, he hit .265 with 18 homers and 63 RBIs in 107 games, and even made the All-Star team. The year before, he put up a .265 average, 17 home runs, and 41 RBIs in 85 games. That’s some real value in the middle infield.

But this new oblique injury, plus an earlier hand fracture and other knocks, raise doubts about how fast he can get back to full strength. Baltimore’s got to figure out how to keep things flexible at third base and the corners while he’s out.

• Infield depth will be tested early as Westburg’s absence shrinks a group that already has some question marks.
• Elbow concern could influence bat speed and range if it sticks around, which might hurt Westburg’s game on both sides of the ball.
• Timeline uncertainty means the Orioles have to think about backup plans at third and maybe elsewhere, just in case.

Holliday’s Absence Adds to Spring Training Health Concerns

The Orioles also said second baseman Jackson Holliday will miss the start of the season after surgery for a broken hamate bone in his right hand. Holliday’s a top prospect and a big part of the team’s future plans.

His early-season absence puts more pressure on the rest of the infield and the top of the lineup to fill the gap. The team hasn’t given a specific return date, and hamate injuries can drag on for weeks, depending on how fast he heals up.

Impact on the Lineup and Prospect Development

Holliday’s injury adds another wrinkle to Baltimore’s roster as spring training gets underway. The team now leans on other infield options and hungry prospects looking for their shot.

The Orioles keep stressing patience. They’d rather not rush anyone back, choosing long-term health over a quick patch job.

For fans and evaluators, Holliday’s absence opens the door to see how the rest of the roster adjusts. Which young players might actually grab the spotlight as camp winds down?

• Depth chart shifts – With Westburg and Holliday both sidelined, the Orioles have to turn to other infielders. Reserve players and minor league call-ups suddenly matter a lot more.
• Development timeline – People in Baltimore are definitely keeping an eye on those return-to-play checkpoints. It’s a balancing act: get them back, but don’t risk the future.
• Roster flexibility – This whole situation pushes players to show off their versatility. Covering multiple spots could be the difference between sticking in the lineup or sitting out the start of the season.

Recovery and Return Plan: What Comes Next

The club wants to stick with a steady, evidence-driven plan for Westburg’s return. They’re also making sure Holliday’s hand gets the right rehab—no shortcuts.

Orioles medical staff, plus outside specialists, will set up rehab steps, clear benchmarks, and a likely window for game action. As spring training rolls on, the front office juggles wanting everyone available with the need to keep guys healthy for the long run.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Orioles’ Westburg ‘physically unable’ to participate