Orioles news: O’s lose game and Westburg in same day

TL;DR

The Baltimore Orioles lost a game to the Nationals and announced that third baseman Jordan Westburg will miss the rest of the season due to Tommy John surgery. This double setback adds to the team's struggles in 2026.

Key points

Jordan Westburg undergoes Tommy John surgery.
Westburg will miss the entire 2026 season.
Orioles lost to the Nationals in a recent game.
The team struggled offensively throughout the game.
Jackson Holliday is expected to fill in at third base.

Baltimore OriolesJordan WestburgWashington NationalsAdley Rutschman

Jun 27, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Jordan Westburg (11) hits a double during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images Good morning Birdland, Leave it to the 2026 Orioles to make a pitcher with an ERA near seven look like an all-star. Look, Zack Littel has been in the majors for nearly a decade and has put together multiple solid seasons. He’s not a random Triple-A arm making a spot start. But 2026 has been a struggle for him. The opener of this series with the Nationals seemed like an opportunity for the Orioles to score some runs. Instead, Littel shut the lineup down for five innings, and they couldn’t do much of anything against any of the Nationals pitchers until the ninth inning. Given how poorly the Orioles hit all game, they were fortunate to have a chance so late in the game. They even had their best hitter, Adley Rutschman, at the plate with the bases loaded. They could have taken the lead outright. But it wasn’t to be. Rutschman got down in the count and was then struck out on a half-swing to end the game. It was an appropriate conclusion to a bad day for the Orioles. A few hours earlier it had been announced that Jordan Westburg had undergone Tommy John surgery and was out for the year. This wasn’t necessarily a surprise at this point. The news trickling out about his rehab had all been bad. But it is still disappointing, and it gives the Orioles fewer viable options to solve their broken offense. The decision to get involved at third base probably had a lot to do with the fact that the Orioles already knew Westburg’s elbow was not getting better. The team also can’t love what they have seen from . The decision to get Jackson Holliday involved at third base probably had a lot to do with the fact that the Orioles already knew Westburg’s elbow was not getting better. The team also can’t love what they have seen from Coby Mayo. But they have to figure something out at the hot corner. probably isn’t the solution. But they have to figure something out at the hot corner. Just add it to the list of things with this team that have not gone according to Mike Elias’ plan in 2026. Some of it is bad luck, like the injuries to Westburg, Holliday, and . But a lot more of it comes down to poor planning or bad development. The O’s President of Baseball Operations had better hope his roster magical starts playing well, or it’s going to be a long summer for him and his staff. **Links** Here’s more about Westburg’s surgery. It always felt like the Orioles weren’t going to have the third baseman in 2026, but because they opted for rehab over surgery for the last three months, the injury may now impact the 2027 season. It’s understandable. No one wants to get surgery if they can avoid it. Unfortunately, Westburg could not avoid it. You have to be a sicko to know who either of these players are at this point in their careers. The Orioles swapped one righty for another. Núñez is a 26 years old and made his big league debut last year. He walks a lot of hitters, and his limited MLB experience has not gone well. Clearly, the Orioles like him a bit more than , who could stick around the organization if he gets through waivers. Quotes from Elias abound in this one. He even says that the team is looking in to what might be causing the continued onslaught of injuries that have plagued the Orioles for several seasons now. Any ideas? Mayo has popped on occasion. That’s great. But the team needs some level of consistency. The answer could be to platoon him with Holliday since he does have an .874 OPS against lefties this year, but a lowly .411 OPS against righties. **Orioles birthdays** Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

Q&A

What happened to Jordan Westburg of the Baltimore Orioles?

Jordan Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire 2026 season.

How did the Orioles perform against the Nationals?

The Orioles lost the game against the Nationals, struggling offensively and failing to score until the ninth inning.

What are the implications of Westburg's injury for the Orioles?

Westburg's injury leaves the Orioles with fewer options at third base and adds to their ongoing offensive struggles.

Who is likely to fill in for Westburg at third base for the Orioles?

Jackson Holliday is expected to take over at third base following Westburg's surgery.