Jordan Westburg Commenced Hitting Progression
The Orioles infielder has resumed batting drills following his May 2026 Tommy John surgery.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Baseball
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Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg has officially started a hitting progression after missing the entire 2026 season. Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery in May following a winter oblique strain, sidelining him for the duration of the year.
Why it matters
The team is working to get the infielder back on track after his health setbacks forced him out of the 2026 lineup. His progress is critical for determining Baltimore's infield depth and defensive options heading into next season.
Westburg recorded -7 Defensive Runs Saved at third base and -3 Defensive Runs Saved at second base over his career appearances. In 2024, he posted a 125 wRC+ and hit 18 home runs, followed by 17 home runs across 85 games in 2025.
The players
Jordan Westburg
He is a Baltimore Orioles infielder who missed the 2026 season due to an oblique strain and elbow surgery.
Jackson Holliday
He is an Orioles infielder whose potential 2027 season outlook is currently clouded by his own recovery from offseason wrist surgery.
The details
Westburg began the hitting progression in October 2026 as the first step in his return to the diamond. The Orioles organization continues to monitor his recovery as they evaluate future roster spots based on both defensive metrics and offensive splits.
Timeline
Jordan Westburg emerged as an everyday player in 2024.
Westburg hit 17 home runs during the 2025 season.
The infielder suffered an oblique strain during the winter of 2025-26.
Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2026.
He began a hitting progression in October 2026.
The Big Picture
This development follows the precedent set by the Baltimore Orioles 2027 spring training roster evaluation. Westburg's health status remains a primary variable that the front office must reconcile alongside other injury concerns as they set the starting lineup.
Westburg's return to the lineup provides the Orioles with a potential boost to infield production that was absent throughout the 2026 campaign. His readiness will directly influence the team's ability to maintain defensive stability at both second and third base.
The takeaway
Players recovering from Tommy John surgery often require a cautious, phased approach to re-entering full-intensity baseball activities. Monitoring the progression of hitting drills is a key indicator for fans and analysts regarding a return to game-ready status.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, visit Baltimore Baseball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLB Trade Rumors.
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