Orioles player Jordan Westburg broke his right hand when he was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning today, O's captain Brandon Hyde announced following the game (X link via Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun). There is 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 is not a guarantee yet.
Losing Westburg, 25, is a challenge for the Orioles. The former No. 30 overall pick (2020) produced a .269/.317/.497 batting line this season with 18 homers, 25 doubles, three triples, six steals and quality glovework as a third baseman for the Baltimore. Westburg has been hitting his stride since the start of the season and hasn't had a long slump. He'll head to the 10-day disabled list tomorrow, though the O's can move him to the 60-day IL if they need a roster spot and if they expect the injury to keep him out for the rest of the season.
Fortunately for the O's, they are very deep in interior talent – even after yesterday's trade Connor Norby to the Marlins (as a lefty returner Trevor Rogers). Baltimore called the top prospect Jackson Holiday returned to the majors today – he hit a home run in his major league debut – and his senior teammate Coby Mayo and his powerful bat comes from Triple-A Norfolk. Holliday could see time at third base or second base, though the latter feels more likely. If the O's don't want to turn to Mayo just yet, utility man Ramon Urias at the very least it provides guaranteed protection for a hot corner and a roughly middle-of-the-league bat to pitch in the bottom of the order.
That said, all eyes are on Mayo until the O's decide on their course. The 22-year-old slugger was selected just 73 picks behind Westburg back in 2020 and has covered Triple-A so far in 2024. more than three times. His walk rate dropped 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, especially when combined with many scouting reports feeling he's a power hitter. 70 grade green.
Other routes down in Norfolk include a recent selection Terrin Vavra and recently discovered Livan Soto, both of whom have experience at third base. Neither could be expected to come close to Westburg's production, but both could play a key role if the Orioles want Mayo to continue to improve. If it is indeed time for Mayo to make his major league debut, Baltimore will need to make a move to add him to the 40-man roster.
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