Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg is sidelined early in spring training with a right oblique strain that has delayed his Grapefruit League debut and left the club sorting out its infield plans with Opening Day on the horizon.
Westburg, 27, tweaked the oblique late in January and has been taking his recovery “day by day,” according to team and media reports. An MRI confirmed the strain, and while there is optimism that Westburg will be ready by Opening Day, there is no definitive timetable for his return to game action.
The injury comes after another injury-marred 2025 season for Westburg, who missed significant time with hamstring, finger and ankle issues. His frustration with the latest setback has been noted by multiple beat reporters covering the Orioles’ camp.
Oblique strains, which affect muscles used in the rotational motions of swinging and throwing, are common in baseball and can sideline players for several weeks depending on severity. Westburg will miss the start of spring games and isn’t participating in early drills, though team officials have expressed hope he will be available later in camp as routines ramp up.
Baltimore’s spring has already been tempered by other injuries, including second baseman Jackson Holliday’s broken hamate bone, and Westburg’s absence further complicates the Orioles’ efforts to solidify their infield depth and lineup before the regular season.
Manager Craig Albernaz and the Orioles front office said they are monitoring Westburg’s progress closely and will provide updates as they determine where he stands in relation to the club’s Opening Day roster. Westburg’s versatility — he has played both second and third base — and offensive potential make his health a key factor for Baltimore’s hopes in 2026.
No official injured list move has been announced, and the team continues to adjust its spring lineup in his absence.
