The Baltimore Orioles have been receiving reinforcements over the past week, with several key players returning from injury. Jacob Webb and Heston Kjerstad came back last week, followed by Danny Coulombe two days ago. Now, infielders Jordan Westburg and Ramón Urías have been reinstated from the 10-day injured list.
Westburg had been out since fracturing his right hand on July 31, while Urías was sidelined for three weeks due to a right ankle sprain he sustained on August 31. Both players were immediately inserted into the Orioles’ lineup for Sunday’s game against the Tigers. Westburg started at second base and batted second, while Urías started at third and batted eighth.
Kjerstad expressed excitement about having Westburg and Urías back in the lineup, acknowledging their importance to the team’s success this season. Before his injury, Westburg had an impressive sophomore campaign with a .269 batting average, 25 doubles, five triples, 18 home runs, and 58 RBIs in 101 games. He also provides above-average defense at both second and third base.
During his absence, the Orioles struggled offensively and went 21-25. They averaged only 4.2 runs per game compared to their earlier average of 5.07 runs over their first 109 games.
Urías played a significant role in filling that offensive void while Westburg was out. In August alone, he hit .260 with two doubles, one triple, five home runs, and 17 RBIs in 27 games.
The return of these key players could greatly benefit the Orioles as they aim to secure a postseason berth for the second consecutive year. With seven games remaining in their season before Sunday’s game against the Tigers (86-69), they sat atop the AL Wild Card standings.
In addition to Webb,Kjerstad,Coulombe ,Westburg,and Urías returning,Ryan Mountcastle (left wrist sprain) has played two Triple-A rehab games and could be close to making a comeback as well.Grayson Rodriguez (right lat/teres strain) also has a chance of returning soon.
Urías expressed optimism about having all these players back for their final stretch of games: “Feeling good.R eady to go.It’s going to be huge for us having t he full team together for this last stretch.”
