Jackson Holliday Injury: A Setback for the Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles received a significant blow to their lineup as second baseman Jackson Holliday will miss Opening Day due to a fractured hamate bone in his right hand. The news was announced by Orioles President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias during spring training on Wednesday morning.
Details of the Injury and Recovery
Holliday, the No. 1 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline, will undergo a procedure to repair the fracture on Thursday. Elias indicated that Holliday’s recovery timeline is expected to be measured in weeks, meaning his return after Spring Training will be delayed. This is a tough break for the young star, who was poised to make a major impact on the Orioles this season.
The hamate bone is located in the wrist and a fracture can significantly impact a player’s ability to swing a bat. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual’s healing process.
Holliday’s Performance and Potential
Despite the injury, Holliday has already shown flashes of brilliance in his young career. In 209 career games since his debut in April 2024, the 22-year-old has a batting average of .229, an on-base percentage of .300, and has hit 22 home runs. His potential is immense, and the Orioles organization remains confident in his long-term future.
Jordan Westburg’s Injury Update
In addition to the Holliday news, Elias also provided an update on third baseman Jordan Westburg. Westburg is currently working through a right oblique injury. While he’s reportedly making progress, his participation in Grapefruit League games will be delayed. Fortunately, Elias doesn’t anticipate Westburg missing any regular season games.
Impact on the Orioles’ Season
The absence of Jackson Holliday will undoubtedly impact the Orioles’ lineup, particularly at the start of the season. The team will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void. However, the Orioles have a deep roster and are confident they can overcome this challenge. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on Holliday’s recovery and his eventual return to the field. You can follow the latest updates on MLB.com.
