Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg suffered a fractured right hand when he was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning today, O’s skipper Brandon Hyde announced following the game (X link via Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun). There’s no immediate timetable for his return. Hyde said he hopes Westburg will be able to return before the end of the regular season, but that’s not a certainty for now.
The loss of Westburg, 25, is a gut-punch for the Orioles. The former No. 30 overall pick (2020) has produced a .269/.317/.497 batting line this season with 18 homers, 25 doubles, five triples, six steals and quality glovework as Baltimore’s primary third baseman. Westburg has hit from the moment the season began and hasn’t at any point gone into a lengthy slump. He’ll head to the 10-day injured list tomorrow, though the O’s could move him to the 60-day IL if they need a roster spot and if they expect the injury to sideline him for the remainder of the regular season.
Fortunately for the O’s, they’re exceptionally deep in infield talent — even after yesterday’s trade of Connor Norby to the Marlins (in return for lefty Trevor Rogers). Baltimore called top prospect Jackson Holliday back to the majors today — he hit a grand slam for his first big league homer — and fellow top prospect Coby Mayo and his powerful bat are looming in Triple-A Norfolk. Holliday could see time at either third base or second base, though the latter feels more likely. If the O’s don’t want to turn to Mayo just yet, utilityman Ramon Urias at least provides surehanded defense at the hot corner and a roughly league-average bat to slot into the bottom of the order.
That said, all eyes figure to turn to Mayo until the O’s decide on their course of action. The 22-year-old slugger was selected just 73 picks after Westburg back in 2020 and has clobbered Triple-A pitching so far in 2024. Mayo touts a .293/.366/.578 batting line with 20 homers and doubles alike, in addition to a pair of triples. His walk rate has dipped from 15.7% in 267 Triple-A plate appearances last year to 9.7% in 331 plate appearances this season, but that’s still a strong mark, particularly when coupled with what many scouting reports feel is 70-grade raw power.
Alternatives down in Norfolk include the just-optioned Terrin Vavra and just-acquired Livan Soto, both of whom have experience at third base. Neither would be expected to come anywhere close to Westburg’s production, but both could hold down a utility role if the Orioles want Mayo to continue developing. If it is indeed time for Mayo to make his big league debut, Baltimore will need to make a move to get him on the 40-man roster.
Welp…
Well ****. Connor Norby, come on do-
Oh, right.
Silver lining, Elias will have to try some Mayo on this **** sandwich.
I don’t think Mayo can play 3B at an acceptable level for an everyday MLBer right now, so it’s everyday Urias again IMO. The pressure on Holliday to produce ASAP just went up big time as well.
Ugh, this is such crap.
Mayo’s position was 3rd. They were playing him at first assuming a trade for Mountcastle would happen. He is more than adequate at 3rd. Mayo’s bat is phenomenal.
Mayo has been playing almost exclusively 1B of late at Norfolk FWIW
Last update I read on the state of his 3B defense a month or two ago was pretty grim. The bat is special and could maybe outweigh the poor defense right away, but there’s no guarantee it would and Mike Elias seems to play things like that pretty conservatively, so I’m guessing Urias gets everyday run at 3B for now with Soto or Vavra as the bench IF.
Plus waiting a month would preserve Mayo’s ability to earn Elias an extra draft pick next year.
This is incorrect. His defense is more than acceptable. It is not at the level
of Westburg or Urias but that’s true of more than half the third baseman in the league. He’s been getting time at first base because he’s going to play there in the future as the ultimate replacement for Mountcastle. He was not moved there because of problems at 3rd.
Mayo moves well at 3rd. He definitely has throwing issues however. His arm is incredibly strong as I think we all know, he’s just a bit erratic with it. Most all of his errors are throwing if you look.
Like Floch said I prefer, and I think Elias might also (at least I’m hoping), that we find a stopgap and keep him down at this point to potentially get the extra draft pick.
Disagree. Urias’ defense at 3B is a little overstated this year. Westburg has actually playing at a high fielding level so far. Both of their ranges are similar at this point. Mayo’s range is actually pretty decent. But his fielding and throwing errors should be a concern. I think we will notice it once we see it on the ML team.
That said, Mountcastle was supposedly not a player you’d want at 1B, but he’s worked to become a pretty strong defensive 1B. So over time, who knows? That that said, it’s a tough ask to give this kid that tryout during an important playoff push. It’s a very big stage.
Os r getting Urias more consistent playing time. Great to see. Keep giving him reps and his glove will shine. He’s sneaky clutch at the plate too.
I’d like to see him at 3rd but Gunnar is destined for there so he goes to second until Westy is back. Once Westy is back Ramon dutifully accepts back up assignments at 2nd and 3rd. He’s a pro.
For now, Holliday goes to SS until Meteo is healthy.
Wade Boggs was considered a poor 3B when he came to ‘The Bigs’ but he eventually was voted a GG at 3B.
Gunnar is not moving to third, he will stay at SS, Jackson will stay at 2B and they will figure out 3B between Urias etc.
He could field the grounder, then short flip it to Gunnar who would then throw it to first. Problem solved!
I think Mayo might put on a Clinic at 3B.
I’m going to bring up Cesar Izturis again in talking about Mateo:
In 2010, lauded for his defense (it was good in 2009), he saved 7 more runs than the average shortstop. But in 513 PA he only knocked in 28 runs. Obviously, someone who might be below league average and save 10-15 less runs than Izturis but be a decent hitter will knock in at least 30-50 more. The Orioles thought so, and they got JJ Hardy. Same holds true with Mateo.
And it doesn’t matter that Mateo can run. So could I at one point, but I couldn’t get on base either.
Gunnar is not moving off of SS. There is nobody in the org capable of playing there at the MLB level, except for Soto and injured Mateo.
Or Jax will move to CF to take over for Mullins.
Mayo is waiting for a chance. And he sure as heck deserves one.
I’d be surprised if he’s up before September 1st due to the potential extra draft pick next year and his defense still needing work.
Urias as the starter for a month with Soto or Vavra as the backup IF, then Mayo comes up and gets acclimated for the playoffs but retains rookie eligibility for 2025. That’s my guess.
This is a reasonable take.
I think it’s funny the union pressured for the draft pick compensation so teams didn’t keep players down in the minors who were ready to manipulate service time, and now teams are still manipulating when they promote players who are ready on the back end of the season to be eligible for draft pick compensation the following season. Teams are always going to use every inch of the rules they can for an advantage, which is natural, but I’ve never heard anyone predict this at the time.
With that said, the Orioles can’t afford to play these games in a pennant race with the Yankees down the stretch. If they feel Mayo is the best option, they should promote him. There’s been a lot of chatter from Elias about him getting close lately. There has also been conflicting reports as to how bad his defense at 3rd actually is this year. It may not be gold glove, but average or close to it shouldn’t be any reason to hold him back. If I had to bet, I’d say Mayo will be in orange tomorrow night in Cleveland.
He won’t get enough playing time next year too finish top two in rookie of the year so that would be a waste.
The Orioles Front Office Call on Personnel Moves:
“It’s a go on Holiday……. and hold the Mayo”
This makes no sense. There is no Holliday sandwich.
They gave Norby a holiday.
Gunnar is gonna kill somebody and/or put himself on DL if he continues to play SS. Uber aggressive; leading to sloppy play. His hitting trumps his D. Get him off SS so we have him to hit.
No he isn’t. And there is nobody to replace him.
Os hit.
It’s Nick Maton time! Whatever happened to Tony Kemp?
This sucks.
Mayo time
O’s should have traded for Rengifo.
Yes because they knew this was going to happen today. Come on!
He would’ve been a good fit on this team. At least no one else in the division got him either.
Considering he didn’t get traded anywhere perhaps the Angels were being dumb again and 1) didn’t really shop him around or 2) were asking a ridiculous price that nobody would match.
More broken hands of guys crowding the plate. The armor doesn’t protect you there.
Tell us you really didn’t see what happened without saying “I didn’t see what happened.”
Yeah, because everyone sees every minute of every baseball game every day.
Sure they do.
I could say the same to you, but it’s too late in your case after your Twitter rant.
If you don’t realize what is happening more and more, I can’t help you.
I would say I have shown you all more respect than you have shown me, but it’s obvious.
MLB what are you talking about? You sound like someone who does not pay attention to baseball, yet you claim to be a fanatic? Who taught you to observe, Steve Wonder???
“Audience”. Yeah, ok….
Lol you must like your own posts, no way anyone sane found that pile of letters valid.
ELL oh ell no sorry you’re wrong. Again.
“Yeah, because everyone sees every minute of every baseball game every day.”
You certainly don’t have to watch every play, but if you are going to say that a person was injured because they are crowding the plate, then maybe watch the clip so you aren’t talking out of your backside
I am a Jays fan, John. I saw it. The problem is people don’t think he crowds the plate because it’s so common now. You’re also looking at his feet when you need to be looking at his front elbow.
Nobody is talking out of the backside but thanks for your input.
Opinion on crowding the plate aside, OP already admitted to not watching the AB and blamed the injury on crowding the plate.
Certainly sounds like talking out of one’s backside! But, (pauses for condescending effect) thanks for your input
You chose to mouth off about it when you didn’t know a thing about the injury.
Not my mistake.
Who’s OP? If you’re being condescending please put some effort in.
@its_happening: I’m not going to teach you how context or comment sections work.
@everyone else : mute the miserable, they only want to make you like them!
Don’t be fooled, its_happening is undoubtedly a ch0de.
Since @its_happening enjoys spouting off and gaslighting with his responses per usual…
mlb.com/news/jordan-westburg-fractured-hand?partne…
Notice Westburg’s feet position in the center of box while wearing no body armor. That pitch was called for the outside of the plate.
Look at the replay and you will find out you are wrong: Westburg was not crowding the plate. It would have been better to watch the replay before making your arrogant, false claim.
Mayo Time
Recall Terrin Vavra
Did Coby Mayo bully you when you were a kid?
Welcome to Baltimore Coby Mayo (jackson plays 2B)
oof
Nicky Lopez will probably hit waivers. Just for his salary.
This sucks for the O’s and kicks my fantasy team in the testes at the same time. Westburg has been a model of consistency.
Vavra recall seems likely.
Nobody cares about your fantasy team.
You cared enough to comment.
First correct statement of your MLBTR career.
#its
cranky much?
MacGromit – nope.
Gunnar back to 3B with Holliday at SS?
Who plays 2nd?
Urias and likely one of Vavra or Soto is called up
Urias is the best 3b in the org defensively. We’ll be fine until Sept if that’s what Elias wants to do.
Didn’t Urias win a gold glove at 3rd? So just plug him in there if Urias is chosen by Hyde. But I think Mayo should get the call.
Of all the posts I’ve seen this one is the least likely to happen.
Urias should play 3rd but Henderson doesn’t play 2b so … Gunnar 3rd, Holliday SS, Urias 2b
The errors and mistakes Gunner is making at SS are Oneil Cruz-esque (Cruz’ 3 errors tonight turned around the Pirates game against the Astros….don’t know how long they can keep up this charade when they claim to be in the WC race). Two more official errors yesterday for Gunner, didn’t watch the whole game today.
Brooks Robinson said he thought Gunner’s future was @ 3B.
Will write it again as I have for going on 3 years now……Jorge Mateo saved O’s pitchers so much on D it didn’t matter what he hit…and his speed really messed up opponents defenses. But he can’t play because Gunner ran into his territory, they collided on a play, and Mateo may well be out for the season.
Gunner is a great hitter. He can play 3B, maybe 2B. But D wins, and the O’s need to have someone steady at SS.
Let’s not forget; defensively it was guys like Meteo, Urias, Hays, Santander and Mullins that were getting the majority of reps at their respected positions during last year’s 101 win season and the year before; not the young guns.
Urias and Meteo are getting hosed. Keep giving Urias consistent playing time and he will get back to gold glove level play and his clutch hitting tendencies will pick up too And put Meteo back to his natural position SS once healthy again. Use Holliday at SS until Jorge is healthy
Gunnar should be at 3rd. He’s gonna kill somebody if he continues at SS. FO sees this.
Finally someone who knows BB, I have been saying this. Gunnar is our 3B of the future, closest thing to Machado and his days in Baltimore that you can find. I wonder if we messed up not keeping Ortiz for SS, unless Holiday can grow into a MLB SS. Mateo was a huge loss defensively. The Orioles have had plenty of 2B come through
C Yards Jeff & Nash9380;
Offensive SS’s work out great in Rotisserie League. Not so much on a field.
When the O’s became a great organization in the 50′-60’s, they had Ron Hansen at SS – Solid. Then they brought in Luis Aparicio – Exceptional. Followed by Mark Belanger – Magical.
Sorry to break the narrative, but while Cal Ripken played a lot of games and was the heart and soul of O’s teams, at best he was a bit below average defensive SS.
MLB Is now a playoff league. One screwup at a pivotal position like SS in a short series and a teams season will be cut short. Elias and Sig had Carlos Correa at SS in Houston – Magical. He saved pitchers constantly. They should know better.
–
After the Rangers series on July 21 I said the Rangers outplayed the Os’. They did. I watched the games. A bunch of kids that live off stats came on here and wrote things like : ‘In my book when a team takes 2 out of 3 from another they’re not outplayed’. That’s because people here that live off stats and played baseball on a computer don’t understand competition. Teams/individuals sometimes win that were outplayed, and sometimes lose when they outplay an opponent. It’s why quality professional athletes are truly humble – experience makes them that way.
The O’s are 7-6 since the beginning of the Rangers series, and only got over .500 by winning 3 of 4 from a terrible Jays team that traded off anyone of value. Am a big O’s fan (along with a few other teams). But I don’t care if you fill your starting staff with 5 guys that pitch like Justin Verlander in his prime – in order for that team to be a serious WS contender they have to have consistent, above-average defensive play at C, SS, and CF.
Ron, Louie, the Blade and Cal all had one thing in common. They played within themselves. They knew their abilities and the limitations of their abilities. Gunnar hasn’t figured that out. Wonder if he will?
And yes; Weaver’s smoking buddy down the runway at Memorial Stadium in between innings, Mark Belanger, was a magical defender.
Funny that you mentioned Cal Ripken. I am big Cal Ripken fan, and as great as he is, he wasn’t immune to errors. In fact, he averaged 25 years from his ROY year thru 1985.
Afterwards, he was able to learn the position and committed lesser errors.
I just looked up Mark Belanger and just saw he averaged 20 errors on his first 3 years. Ron Hansen—well he averaged 30 errors on his first two years.
My point is Gunnar is young. He will commit errors and will learn the SS position. Gunnar is entrenched on SS position. The same happened with Cal.
Great stuff MacVinz. Point taken.
MacVinz;
What you say is fine.
But Gunner has been playing out of control all year, and it gets worse each week.
As the most important pure defensive position in the middle of the field, it’s a prerequisite for a quality ML SS to know where his teammates are and to position himself to support his teammates. Often he’ll have the ball thrown to him at some point in the play. I’m not sure I’ve watched a guy play SS like Gunner. It seems if the ball is anywhere around him he’s focused on running to it and making a play (if he were an OF he’d be running into walls for no reason). He appears to be oblivious to the defenders next to him and behind him. A big part of successfully playing ML SS is having a high baseball IQ to recognize the game situation on each pitch – or as Jeff wrote: playing within themselves and knowing their limitations. Gunner appears to be competing with his teammates to get his hands on the ball…..like a basketball point guard that won’t pass the ball to an open teammate.
He may work it out in time, but I watched Mateo play for 2 years. The O’s are on the clock now.
Holliday does not now nor will he ever have the arm to play SS. Plus he is fundamentally weak: can’t backhand grounders, doesn’t plant and throw.
You are right: Gunnar is entrenched as the SS for years to come.
Can’t take you seriously about your opinion of his defense when you clearly have not been watching GunnAr play.
Westburg has been their secret weapon this year. Most consistent hitter on the team. Huge loss. Let’s hope Mayo can crush it when he arrives
OUCH!..Overpays come into question?…
And more questions? Why?
Nobody they got in trades don’t
really move the needle!
Ridiculous. Eflin was the best starter moved and they got him for nothing. Two big armed relievers – totally move the needle on the pen. Only question is losing Norby but they have Roger’s for 2.5 years so you can’t compare the cost to rentals. Stowers is not a high price.
I wouldn’t call Jackson Baumeister and Mac Horvath nothing. They may not be too 100’s yet, but a couple interesting prospects from last year’s draft class. I’m not necessarily against the trade, as O’s needed rotation help badly and it was a seller’s market, but I do feel we may come to regret letting one or both of these two get away.
ACC;
To get something one has to give up something.
O’s have more prospects than they can play. There’s nothing wrong with a few working out well with other teams.
yes they say Baumeister picked up another pitch and was really progressing
The best trades improve both teams. The idea that “it has to hurt” is unfounded myth.
Blue Jays break a nose and a hand this series. Must be the extreme humidity.
Will this be like the Fab Five playing in the Finals?!?
How ridiculously young will the lineups be if they play the Guardians in the playoffs?
Fox would like to see three teams in the WS in a round robin format: CLE, BAL, and AZ. Honestly, all they care about are the shots of Corbin Carroll running in from the OF at the end of a half inning.
I realize nobody cares about anyone else’s fantasy team but just need to vent….thought I was going to have a juggernaut of an offense this year then proceed to lose Betts, Casas, Jung, Carter, Harris, and now Westburg to the dumbest injuries possible plus Riley and Alonso not producing anywhere near what they’re capable of at their best.
I hate fantasy sports.
I agree it’s frustrating. However remember, when we win it’s skill when we lose it’s all bad luck lol
Same here. My #1 pick was Tucker. He’s been out forever. All of my pitchers have been hurt randomly throughout the year.
My number 1 was Tucker too.
I also roster Jung and Westburg and was all too happy to activate Jung yesterday.
Now my IL is back in top form – Albies, Tucker, Westburg. Jeez.
Good for me since I have mayo on the side waiting
DodgerDan – same.
But he’s been waiting all year in that NA slot…
I thought it was my fault, Dirty. I hear the MASH theme song when I’m checking my fantasy team.
Pitchers who cause injury to a defenseless batter should immediately be suspended by MLB and remain so for the full amount of time that the player THEY INJURED is unable to perform in MLB at their customary level of play. This happens all too often and MLB needs to ACT. The age old baseball adage that this type of one-sided player injury is, “Just Part of the Game” is antiquated and no longer just or valid in today’s game.
That’s just an untenable position. You would have too many healthy pitchers not being able to pitch. I can’t see anybody being an advocate for that. Not franchise owners, not the player labor representatives. You have no constituency for your rule change (except maybe Quad-A pitchers who would normally not make it to the big leagues.) It would degrade the game of baseball. It’s bad enough when a player gets injured from a broken hand, but you want to double the impact of that injury by taking two players off the field.
And this is why there’s no shame in stacking your team deep.
Shoot I will miss him on the fantasy team. Very valuable with the 2b,3b flexibility
Hitters need to stop crowding and hold their hands close to the plate.
Its_happening strikes again, draped with stupidity. Hitters aren’t crowding the plate, especially Westburg.
And no, pre-1900 isn’t relevant.
Stop lying. Thanks.
Dude, you are the liar. The video proves you are lying.
First, no. Second, the lie was “pre-1900”. Third, you like everyone else in-disagreement ignore the history of baseball, especially what’s taken place the last 40 years. Guys are crowding more than ever. This isn’t debatable if you watch video between then and now. Westburg is NOT the worst offender, but he’s more than close enough to the plate not to be surprised by this outcome that has become commonplace – because hitters crowd.
It clearly says “1990,” not 1900. Are you blind and stupid?
It is rather funny many people don’t realize hitters in today’s MLB stand closer to the plate than ever before. Guess I’ve watched too much baseball and those shocked by this fact is under 25 or suffer from cataracts.
Urias at 3B should be fine for the O’s. They have enough firepower in that lineup to put a stable player at third like Urias.
Westburg was in the center of the box. He’s not Rizzo. I’m 35 with 20/20 vision. So, you’re wrong. This isn’t 1899.
There you go lying again. You might be 35 but forgot to use the observant gene you were born with. Westburg stands close to the plate thanks to all the arm protection baseball players wear, but since you don’t watch baseball you do not know that.
Switch the 8 to a 9 and you’d be closer to being somewhat accurate. Your incompetence is showing.
The clip is on youtube. Westburg is 2 feet off the plate and the ball ran in. His hands weren’t in the strike zone.
Nobody said his hands were in the strike zone. Why would you imply that I did? What I said is he (and nearly the entire league), stand close to the plate. That is part of the reason why hit by pitches happen. His elbow pad is on the line of the batter’s box.
Please don’t make up things I did not say. Thanks.
What you are claiming is a lie. Westburg was neither crowding the plate nor were his hands close to the plate. It’s on VIDEO!!!
Elbow on the line of the batters box. Video shows it. Your interpretation and my interpretation clearly not the same. Unfortunately if you actually watched games prior to 30 years ago, or paid attention, you’d see the point.
The pitch rode in on him and would have hit a batter from any era. You got rationed. Take the L.
He should have fractured it earlier so they could have picked up Justin Turner and his veteran leadership for the stretch run.
Terrible news. The injury bug has hit the O’s a fair amount this year. I wish them well the rest of the season.
I don’t understand why, if Mayo’s D is so bad, they didn’t just bring him up to play DH, and ignore that stupid Jimenez pickup? Why waste a roster spot on the very expensive and very useless Jimenez when Mayo projects to be better, and far cheaper?
1. How come when anyone else not named Mateo whose stats are identical is called “league average”? Because that’s what he’s been this year after being pretty good last year and really good in 2022. He’s not Mark Belanger in the field but he hits like him, Mateo gives up far more runs than he saves because he can’t hit.
2. Mayo’s defense has been at least ok. He wouldn’t be Mark Reynolds over there.
3. Westburg was in the middle of the box and the ball that hit him ran in on his hands. His hands were not out over the middle of the plate. He was a good 2 feet off the plate.
4. The reason why there are more HBP is because pitchers have become throwers, and they stress speed rather than control. NYY have already hit 69 guys this year, 40 years ago most teams hit 30-40 men a year. The preferred method of attack has also become high and tight to throw off the batter instead of low and away to keep the ball out of the power zone. If you’ve been following baseball 40 years like me this should be evident.
JIm Palmer: 38 HBP in 3948 IP. Tom Glavine: 68 HBP in 4413 IP. Carlos Rodon this season: 9 HBP in 120 IP.
Thanks for the stats. They prove what I had been thinking: that Westburg had not been producing the past few weeks. But I never looked it up to reinforce my feeling.
Imagine if they had traded every other third baseman on their depth chart before trade deadline? Better hope Gunner Henderson stays healthy, I don’t think they could recover from losing half their infield.