Just over a month after being injured by friendly fire, Orioles utility player Jorge Mateo had successful surgery on his left elbow on Wednesday, though it will end his season. Mateo has been on the injured list since July 24th due to a severe elbow dislocation from a collision with shortstop Gunnar Henderson.
Initially placed on the 10-day injured list and later moved to the 60-day list, manager Brandon Hyde noted that Mateo’s elbow was too swollen to assess whether surgery would be necessary. When Mateo met with doctors earlier this month, they found that the inflammation was still too high to finalize a treatment plan.
The 29-year-old infielder mentioned on Saturday that he would soon have more imaging done to explore his options and hoped to return in 2024. However, the Orioles confirmed on Wednesday that Mateo successfully had left ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with an internal brace and flexor repair performed by Dr. Keith Meister at Trinity Park Surgery Center in Arlington, Texas. Mateo will be out for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Orioles Utilityman Jorge Mateo Out for Season After Elbow Surgery
Mateo was a crucial part of the Orioles’ infield this season, showcasing Gold Glove-worthy defense as the team’s second baseman. In 68 games, he posted a .229/.267/.401 batting line with five home runs, 18 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases.
When Mateo was out with a concussion in June, Jordan Westburg filled in at second base. However, Westburg fractured his hand shortly after and is still in a cast. Jackson Holliday has since taken over as Baltimore’s regular second baseman in Mateo’s absence, with Ramón Urías stepping in at third base.
Typically, recovery from an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction is quicker for position players compared to pitchers. Since Mateo injured his non-throwing arm, his recovery might be faster, and there’s a possibility he could return in some capacity by early 2025.
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