2026 is already not being kind to the Baltimore Orioles in terms of injuries. Jackson Holliday broke a bone in his wrist – and might miss a couple of weeks. Then there’s Jordan Westburg…
All the Orioles are publicly saying is that he has a strained oblique. However as this week has gone on rumors have swirled that he would be missing more time, and might be facing surgery. Manager Craig Albernaz on Westburg (quote courtesy of Roch Kubatko, MASNsports):
Right now, he’s physically unable to participate right now. So he’s getting evaluated by a medical team and also outside people to make sure we have a plan in place and see what’s going on with Jordan and get him going.
That’s obviously a quote that’s fairly ominous among other things. It’s purposely vague. Will this be yet another year where the O’s struggle with injuries?
In a later comment Alberbaz also used the term play “this year” with regard to Westburg. Hopefully that’s truly the case. The Orioles were a much better team last year when Westburg was in the lineup. Time will tell.
The Orioles also open Florida Grapefruit League play this afternoon when AL East rival New York visits Ed Smith Stadium. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the O’s, and New York is yet to announce a starter. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.
Birdland Crush 