The Baltimore Orioles are set to receive a boost as infielders begin minor league rehab assignments this Thursday. The team confirmed that both players will join Triple-A Norfolk for a six-game homestand against the Nashville Sounds, although the length of their rehab is still unclear. The Orioles anticipate their return before the end of the regular season.
This news comes at a crucial time for Baltimore, which has struggled in September. Just twelve days ago, they held a half-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East, but have since gone 3-8 and now trail New York by four games. The team’s offensive struggles have been notable during this downturn.
The return of 25-year-old third baseman Jordan Westburg, a first-time All-Star, is especially significant. He has been sidelined since July due to a fractured right wrist from a pitch. His absence has left a noticeable gap in the Orioles’ lineup.
“We can’t wait to have him back,” said Orioles general manager Mike Elias, adding that they expect Westburg to return before the season ends.
In the interim, Ramón Urías has stepped in as the everyday third baseman, showing impressive performance in August with a .260/.337/.521 batting line, including five home runs and 17 RBIs over 27 games. However, Urías was placed on the injured list with a sprained right ankle on August 31, adding to the team’s challenges. Since losing both players, the Orioles have gone 6-9, batting just .219 as a team.
With important matchups against the Yankees on the horizon, the Orioles are hopeful that the returns of Westburg and Urías will aid their pursuit of back-to-back divisional titles for the first time since 1974.