The Baltimore Orioles and their fans have received a glimmer of hope regarding All-Star infielder Jordan Westburg. After a frustrating start to the 2026 season that saw him miss the first 10 games, the team has announced a positive step in his recovery from a right elbow injury.
Westburg, a cornerstone of the Orioles' infield, suffered a partial UCL tear during spring training, an injury that immediately ruled him out for Opening Day. The move to the 60-day injured list this past Wednesday confirmed he would be sidelined until at least May. However, the latest update brings a wave of optimism.
According to reports, Westburg is now beginning a throwing progression this week. This marks a critical milestone in his rehabilitation, which has focused on conservative treatment—including a PRP injection—to avoid surgery. Starting to throw again is a strong indicator that his elbow is responding well and that he is on the path back to the diamond.
While the Orioles have emphasized there is still no definitive timeline for his return, the organization remains hopeful he could rejoin the lineup sometime in the first half of the season. For a player of Westburg's caliber, simply progressing through his rehab is a major win at this stage.
Durability, however, remains a lingering question. When healthy, Westburg's impact is profound, as evidenced by his stellar 2024 campaign. But injuries have been a recurring theme, limiting him to just 85 games in 2025. His return will be a significant boost for an Orioles team looking to solidify its defense and lineup as the season progresses.
For now, the focus is on a careful, methodical recovery. Every successful throwing session brings the dynamic infielder one step closer to donning the Orioles jersey again, much to the anticipation of the Baltimore faithful.