Injuries can certainly disrupt a lineup, but they can also create opportunities. For the Baltimore Orioles, Jordan Westburg’s absence may open the door for one of the team’s former top prospects to truly prove he belongs in the majors.
Westburg is sidelined with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right throwing elbow, an injury expected to keep him out through at least the end of April. This vacancy leaves Baltimore searching for answers at third base while also creating an opportunity for a young player to step into a larger role.
That young player is Coby Mayo, a highly-regarded former prospect who has long been viewed as part of the Orioles’ future.
MASN color analyst Ryan Ripken said the situation could present a valuable opportunity for Mayo if the team commits to giving him consistent playing time.
“Coby, of all the options that are available to play third base, he gives you the most offensive upside by a wide margin — especially how he finished September,” Ripken said on Glenn Clark Radio Feb. 24. “He felt like he was starting to put things together and figure out how he can be successful in the big leagues. So, if you want that offensive upside, then the phrasing has to be, ‘How do we help Coby get to a place to be comfortable over there enough that it makes sense for us?'”
The Orioles are also going through changes defensively in the infield as they adjust their alignment without Westburg or second baseman Jackson Holliday, who is due back sooner than Westburg. Mayo has been one of Baltimore’s most promising power hitters in the minor leagues, but like many prospects transitioning to the major leagues, his development depends on regular opportunities in the lineup.
Mayo’s bat has never been the primary concern. His glove, however, has drawn more questions.
Originally developed as a corner infielder, the Orioles experimented with Mayo at first base last year, but the position was not the long-term solution after the club signed Pete Alonso. The team shifted him back to third base this spring, but he is still developing consistency at the position.
“If you have reservations about playing third, which they’ve proven that in the past — last year he was playing first down the stretch. Then, you’re going to look at multiple options over there,” Ripken said.
Westburg has established himself as a steady presence for Baltimore since reaching the major leagues. He hit .265 with 17 home runs and more than 41 RBIs in 2025, providing both offensive production and reliable defense on the left side of the infield.
Mayo’s professional numbers, meanwhile, largely come from the minor leagues. He was named the 2024 Brooks Robinson Minor League Player of the Year by the Orioles after batting .293 with 25 homers and 73 RBIs between Double-A and Triple-A. Mayo’s major league sample size remains small, meaning the Orioles are still evaluating how his skills translate at the highest level.
Ripken also emphasized that the Orioles should approach the situation focused on Mayo’s strengths rather than his limitations. In Mayo’s case, that means giving him a chance and taking advantage of his strengths at the plate.
“If you can instill confidence in a young player, and he gets a little bit of that, it’s going to grow and it’s going to keep rolling in a positive way where you’re going to find out more about what he can do,” Ripken said. “Instead of looking at what our players can’t do, why don’t we focus on what they can do and go from there.”
Ripken said that if the Orioles believe Mayo is part of their long-term plans, the current situation may present the right time to give him that chance. Baltimore now faces a common challenge at the big league level: balancing immediate stability with long-term development. The Orioles could rely on temporary solutions or veteran depth until Westburg returns, which would prioritize consistency in the short term.
For Baltimore, the coming weeks may reveal more than just who fills in at third base. They may also determine whether Mayo is simply filling a temporary gap or beginning to establish himself as part of the Orioles’ future. Giving Mayo everyday at-bats during Westburg’s absence could allow the Orioles to see whether he is ready to become a permanent piece of the roster.
“If you can do that, then you should really look at giving him a chance. But if you can’t answer that, or you don’t want to, then that’s just what it’s going to be,” Ripken said.
For more from Ripken, listen to the full interview here:
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