With Mateo expected to miss some time, the Orioles are looking to Norby for a boost

 MIAMI — Baltimore infielder Jorge Mateo, who exited the series opener in Miami on Tuesday due to a left elbow injury, will be sidelined for an extended period, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde announced after the team’s 6-3 loss on Wednesday night. Mateo was seen at loanDepot park on Thursday morning with a brace on his left arm.

“It’s really unfortunate, and we feel terrible for him,” Hyde said. “We’re going to miss him.”

Connor Norby, the Orioles’ No. 5 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, was called up from the taxi squad on Thursday to replace Mateo, who was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Wednesday with a left elbow subluxation. Norby had joined the team in Miami on Wednesday.

Mateo’s injury occurred when he got tangled with Gunnar Henderson during the third inning of Tuesday’s game. An MRI on Wednesday revealed a left elbow transient partial dislocation (subluxation), meaning the elbow was partially dislocated but then realigned on its own. While not common, such an injury does occur.

Typically, an elbow dislocation requires immobilization of the joint for one to three weeks, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation, provided there are no complications like ligament or tendon damage. Surgery is rarely needed, and there’s no indication that Mateo will require it.

Mateo will undergo further tests and seek additional opinions as the team returns to Baltimore on Friday.

“It’s going to take a while,” Hyde said on Thursday. “The swelling and soreness are significant, so it’ll take time to address that. We’ll get more opinions from doctors, but it’s going to be a substantial recovery period.”

Mateo has been a key player for Baltimore this season. As one of the more experienced infielders, he has made 52 starts at second base and has also provided relief at shortstop and center field.

“Losing him is huge,” said Colton Cowser. “Jorge’s not only a great player but a great person as well. I’m not sure of the exact extent of his injury, but I’m confident he’ll come back strong.”

With Mateo out, the Orioles are looking to Norby to fill the gap. Norby, who made his MLB debut on June 3 and started four games at second base before being optioned, went 3-for-14 with a home run during that stint.

At Triple-A Norfolk this season, Norby has primarily played second base but has also seen time in left and right field, hitting .297/.389/.519 with 16 home runs. While he’s known more for his bat than his fielding, the Orioles hope he can provide a spark for their struggling offense, which has lost eight of its last 11 games, including three straight heading into Thursday’s finale.

“He’ll get regular playing time,” Hyde said. “He’ll be in the lineup tomorrow, and we hope he can give us a boost.”