Orioles lose 3B Jordan Westburg to broken hand after hit by pitch

Title: Orioles Lose 3B Jordan Westburg to Broken Hand After Hit by Pitch

Outline:

1. Introduction of the incident: Jordan Westburg getting hit by a pitch and leaving the game early.
2. Details of the game and the injury.
3. Confirmation of the injury by Orioles manager Brandon Hyde.
4. Potential recovery timeline and impact on the team.
5. Westburg's performance and significance to the team.
6. The team's response to the loss, including other players' contributions.
7. Current standings and upcoming games for the Orioles.

Article:

The Baltimore Orioles suffered a significant blow on Wednesday as third baseman Jordan Westburg was forced to leave the game early against the Toronto Blue Jays due to a broken hand. Westburg, who was hit by a 95-mph fastball from Blue Jays pitcher Yerry Rodríguez in the fifth inning, is now a potential doubt for the remainder of the season.

During the game at Camden Yards, Rodríguez's pitch drilled Westburg directly on his right hand, causing immediate pain and discomfort. Although Westburg managed to run the bases, he was replaced defensively and did not return to the field. The Orioles went on to secure a 10-4 victory, but the win was overshadowed by the injury to their key player.

Post-game, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde confirmed the severity of Westburg's injury. "They just X-rayed it," Hyde explained, "and it's a broken hand. How it heals and the timeline for recovery is beyond my expertise." Hyde expressed his hope that Westburg could return by the end of the regular season but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the recovery process.

Westburg, who made his MLB debut last season and was named to his first All-Star team earlier this summer, has been a pivotal player for the Orioles. This season, he has batted .269 with 58 RBI and 18 home runs in 100 games. His absence could be a substantial setback for the team, especially with 53 games remaining in the regular season.

Despite the loss of Westburg, the Orioles managed to rally, thanks in part to a grand slam by Jackson Holliday immediately after Westburg's injury. The win kept the Orioles in a strong position, leading the AL East by a half-game over the New York Yankees.

Looking ahead, the Orioles will face the Cleveland Guardians in a four-game road series starting Thursday. The team will need to navigate the challenges without Westburg, relying on their depth and resilience to maintain their lead in the division.

The injury to Jordan Westburg is a stark reminder of the fragility of player health in professional sports and the impact such incidents can have on a team's fortunes. The Orioles will be hoping for a swift and full recovery for Westburg, but in the meantime, they must adjust and continue their push towards the playoffs.