The Boston Red Sox received some significant news on Friday regarding one of their American League East rivals, as the Baltimore Orioles were dealt another major injury setback during an already difficult season.
According to Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner, Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg will undergo season-ending elbow surgery. The 27-year-old has not appeared in a game during the 2026 season after suffering a partially torn UCL in his right elbow during spring training, forcing him to remain on the injured list throughout the year.
The latest development adds to a frustrating stretch for Westburg, who has struggled with injuries despite showing flashes of becoming a key piece of Baltimore’s future. After earning an American League All-Star selection in 2024, he missed nearly two months due to a hand injury. Last season, additional hamstring and ankle injuries limited him to just 85 games.
When healthy, however, Westburg has consistently shown his value. Across 260 career games, he owns a solid .264/.312/.456 slash line and continued to display growing power last season with 17 home runs in limited action. His defensive versatility at both second and third base has also made him an important contributor for Baltimore.
His absence has been especially noticeable for an Orioles lineup that has struggled to produce offensively this season. Baltimore currently ranks 20th in Major League Baseball with a .693 OPS, while several key players continue to underperform. Gunnar Henderson is batting just .197, and offseason addition Pete Alonso has posted a modest .218/.310/.424 line.
The Orioles have also been without Jackson Holliday, who has yet to play this season after undergoing surgery in February to repair a fractured hamate bone in his right hand. Baltimore has since relied on players such as Jeremiah Jackson, Weston Wilson, Blaze Alexander, and Coby Mayo to fill in across the infield.
Despite the injuries, the Orioles currently sit at 20-24, just 1.5 games ahead of the Red Sox in the division standings. Boston is scheduled to host Baltimore for a three-game series at the beginning of June.