As the regular season nears its climax, the Baltimore Orioles have made a pair of key roster moves to bolster their chances of securing a playoff berth. With a crucial series against the Detroit Tigers on the line, the team has reinstated star infielder Jordan Westburg and veteran Ramon Urias from the injured list.
The Orioles, currently sitting atop the American League wild-card standings with an 86-69 record, are poised to make a strong push for the postseason. A win against the Tigers, combined with a loss by the Seattle Mariners to the Texas Rangers, would cement Baltimore’s spot in the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
To make room for Westburg and Urias, the Orioles have optioned outfielder Daniel Johnson and infielder Livan Soto to Triple-A Norfolk. Both players have seen limited action this season.
Westburg, a 25-year-old All-Star, has been sidelined since July 31 with a fractured right hand. Prior to his injury, he was enjoying a breakout season, hitting.269 with 25 doubles, 18 home runs, and 58 RBIs in 101 games. During his rehab stint at Norfolk, Westburg went 4-for-10 with a home run, demonstrating his readiness to return to the lineup.
Urias, a 30-year-old infielder, has been out since August 31 with a sprained right ankle. In his absence, he was replaced by Westburg, who filled in admirably. This season, Urias has hit.252 with nine doubles, 10 home runs, and 35 RBIs in 93 games. His return provides a significant boost to the Orioles’ infield defense and offense.
With Westburg and Urias back in the fold, the Orioles are well-positioned to make a deep postseason run.
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