The Baltimore Orioles' 2026 season has been a tough one to watch. Between a pitching staff that ranks among baseball's worst and an offense that's struggled to find its rhythm, things haven't gone according to plan. And now, the team has been dealt another devastating blow: infielder Jordan Westburg will miss the rest of the season due to elbow surgery.

Westburg, a key piece of the Orioles' infield alongside Jackson Holliday, has been battling an elbow injury all year. After a recent setback, imaging revealed a partially torn UCL, forcing a difficult decision. He could either push through the pain and risk further damage, or undergo season-ending surgery to ensure a full recovery for 2027. He chose the latter.

"Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg is set to have elbow surgery, per source, and he'll miss the rest of the season," reported Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. The surgery is a proactive move, prioritizing Westburg's long-term health and his return at full strength next season.

This is a brutal turn of events for Westburg, who has been trying to rehab the injury since spring training. The Orioles' infield depth will now be tested, with Jeremiah Jackson, Blaze Alexander, Coby Mayo, and Weston Wilson stepping up to handle second and third base duties until Holliday returns from his own injury.

Baltimore currently sits at 20-24, and without two of their most promising young infielders, the road ahead looks even steeper. For Westburg, it's a tough break, but it's a decision made with an eye on the future—and the hope of a stronger 2027 campaign.