Westburg says he’ll be ready for spring training; Holliday, Alexander out of lineup; Orioles-Angels lineups

ANAHEIM— Infielder Jordan Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery on May 14^th, and he’s glad he’s with the Orioles this week for their series against the Los Angeles Angels.

“It’s just a really nice breath of fresh air to be able to catch up with these guys,” Westburg said before Tuesday night’s game. “I can only stay so much in the loop in Florida. I watch all the games and I do my best to keep up with a lot of them, but being here face-to-face and getting to feel the energy and the dugout, it’s pretty cool.”

Initially, Westburg, who didn’t play in any Grapefruit League games opted for a platelet-rich plasma injection before later deciding on surgery when pain in his right elbow increased during workouts.

“It was always on the table,” Westburg says of surgery. “I knew that when I decided to get the PRP injection. The whole reason behind the PRP injection was there was a shot that it worked, and if it didn’t, there was no penalty into 2027 if I had to flip the script and pivot and get the surgery.”

Westburg worked through the end of April before the pain in his elbow intensified.

“For a while there, I thought it was going to work. I thought I was inching closer to getting back into games,” he said. “Ultimately, it didn’t, so we pivoted and got the surgery, and the good news is, it got done in time to where, 2027’s not any question for me.”

Westburg is just beginning his rehab work with some time in the weight room, and hopes to begin running soon.

There’s a possibility of a lockout, which would delay the start of spring training, but if there’s labor peace and the Orioles report to Sarasota in mid-February, nine months after his surgery, Westburg expects to be ready.

“If there were to be a normal spring training, I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t be able to be full go,” Westburg said. “Ultimately, that decision or how soon to get back into games and how much I can with what’s coming on the horizon, how much I can get in live at-bats before spring training, that’s all going to be decided later.

“In my mind, I’m going to prepare and do everything I can in this rehab to be in that first spring training game whenever it is. I think that’s a real possibility.”

Holliday, Alexander sit

Second baseman Jackson Holliday, who’s missed two games because of groin tightness, is not in the lineup for Tuesday night’s game.

“He’s going to participate in our pregame work and go from there,” manager Craig Albernaz said.

Albernaz did not use Holliday when he needed a third baseman after the injury to third baseman Blaze Alexander on Monday night, and wouldn’t commit to his availability a night later.

“We’ll see how it goes,” Albernaz said. “We want to be smart about this. Anyone that’s had any type of groin injury, you want to make sure that you’re doing right and not overdoing it. We want to make sure that he’s in a good spot.”

Alexander is not in the lineup after fouling a ball off his right shin, but he insists he’s able to play.

Leody Taveras made his first professional appearance at third base after Alexander was hurt, borrowing Alexander’s glove. Alexander wanted to continue to play, but didn’t have enough time to ice his leg and return to the field.

Taveras played five innings at third base and his only chance came gainst Jose Siri, the first batter.

“Definitely felt scared until he made the play,” Alexander said. “He looked smooth, had two hits. I’m happy that happened. You don’t ever want to throw a guy in there especially when you know they’re not playing that night.”

Rutschman beginning rehab

Catcher Adley Rutschman, who’s on the 7-day concussion injured list has been in the clubhouse in Anaheim.

“He was better yesterday, better today,” Albernaz said. “He’s going to ride the bike today for a little bit. It’s a good step in the right direction. With any type of head injury, especially with concussion, you always want to make sure that you’re doing everything right, taking it slow, it’s encouraging.”

What’s going on in the minor leagues?: Right-handed pitcher Patrick Reilly, the Orioles’ No. 24 prospect, who underwent Tommy John surgery last year, is beginning a rehab assignment with the Florida Complex League Orioles…Outfielder Stiven Martinez, the No. 25 prospect, is continuing his return to play on a planned innings progression this week for Single-A Delmarva. …Triple-A Norfolk’s game with Durham was rained out. They’ll play a doubleheader on Wednesday. …High-A right-hander Frederick Kiefer Lord was removed from the Key’s game with left oblique discomfort.

Orioles-Angels lineups

Orioles

Taylor Ward-LF

Gunnar Henderson-SS

Pete Alonso-1B

Samuel Basallo-C

Coby Mayo-3B

Leody Taveras-RF

Colton Cowser-CF

Tyler O’Neill-DH

Jeremiah Jackson-2B

Shane Baz-RHP

Angels

Zach Neto-SS

Vaughn Grissom-3B

Nolan Schanuel-1B

Jorge Soler-DH

Jo Adell-RF

Oswald Peraza-2B

Christian Moore-LF

Logan O’Hoppe-C

Jose Siri-CF

Ryan Johnson-RHP

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com