Jordan Westburg, Ramón Urías activated from injured list

BALTIMORE — One week ago, the Orioles got back right-handed reliever Jacob Webb and outfielder Heston Kjerstad. Two days ago, top lefty reliever Danny Coulombe returned.

On Sunday, Baltimore’s influx of reinforcements continued in a major way.

Infielders Jordan Westburg and Ramón Urías were reinstated from the 10-day injured list prior to the series finale between the O’s and the Tigers at Camden Yards. Westburg had been out since fracturing his right hand on July 31, while Urías was on the IL for three weeks due to a right ankle sprain he sustained on Aug. 31.

Both were immediately inserted into the Orioles’ lineup. Westburg, a first-time All-Star this season, started at second base and batted second. Urías started at third and batted eighth.

“It’s awesome. To get Jordan and Ramón back, they’re huge parts of this team and definitely the reason why the team’s where we’re at with our positioning right now and chasing the playoffs,” Kjerstad said. “Two great players. I’m sure they’ll give us a little boost in the lineup.”

Before getting injured, Westburg was having a stellar sophomore campaign. The 25-year-old slashed .269/.317/.497 with 25 doubles, five triples, 18 home runs and 58 RBIs in 101 games. During his three-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk, Westburg went 4-for-10 with a home run.

Westburg can also provide above-average defense at both second and third, as he’s split time between the two positions — 64 starts at third and 36 at second.

The O’s felt Westburg’s absence, as they went 21-25 after he went on the IL. They averaged only 4.2 runs per game during that span after averaging 5.07 runs over their first 109 games.

“Such a joy having Jordan back today,” Urías said. “I think we need him, and I hope he can help us win some games.”

While Westburg was sidelined, Urías played a big role in helping to fill the offensive void. The 30-year-old utility infielder had one of the best months of his five-year MLB career in August, when he hit .260 with two doubles, one triple, five homers, 17 RBIs and an .858 OPS in 27 games.

From July 3-Aug. 31, Urías posted a .291/.387/.504 slash line over 45 games.

“I had the best time of my career before the injury,” Urías said. “I’m ready to keep it going.”

That would be huge for the Orioles, who entered Sunday with an opportunity to clinch a postseason berth for the second straight season. They had a chance to punch their ticket to October with both a win over the Tigers and a Mariners loss to the Rangers.

If it doesn’t happen Sunday, it should happen soon. Baltimore (86-69) sat atop the AL Wild Card standings with seven games to go.

The O’s reinforcements could help them make a deeper postseason run than they did last season, when they won the AL East title and then got swept in three games by the eventual World Series champion Rangers in the AL Division Series.

Webb, Kjerstad, Coulombe, Westburg and Urías are all again in the fold. Meanwhile, first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (left wrist sprain) has played two Triple-A rehab games and could be getting close to a return as well. There’s also a chance right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (right lat/teres strain) could make it back, too.

“Feeling good. Ready to go,” Urías said. “It’s going to be huge for us having the full team together for this last stretch.”