The Baltimore Orioles are preparing for the 2026 season with high hopes following a strong offseason that included key acquisitions such as Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, and Shane Baz. However, the team recently received troubling news as Jackson Holliday suffered a broken hamate bone during batting practice, an injury that necessitates surgery and affects his availability moving forward.
This injury was confirmed by the Orioles’ president of baseball operations and adds Holliday to a notable list of players, including Corbin Carroll and possibly Francisco Lindor, who have experienced similar fractures in their careers. The hamate bone, a small, hook-shaped bone near the pinky finger, is vulnerable to damage for hitters due to the intense forces generated during batting at the major league level.
Understanding Holliday’s Expected Recovery Period
The hamate bone fracture is common among baseball players, but the time required to fully recover can differ widely. Research from the National Library of Medicine indicates that return-to-play timelines can range anywhere from three weeks to several months. On average, players miss about 45 days following this injury.
For Holliday, this typical recovery duration suggests he might just be ready by opening day; however, regaining full swing speed and power often extends beyond mere healing time. Consequently, he is likely to miss most if not all of spring training, and without sufficient live batting reps, his participation in early-season games could be in jeopardy.
Potential Replacements for Holliday on the Orioles’ Roster
Prior to the injury, Holliday was expected to be the Orioles’ starting second baseman. Last season, at age 22, he posted a batting line of .242/.314/.375 with 17 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases over 149 games, reflecting a significant improvement from his rookie year.
In response to Holliday’s absence, Baltimore has several options to fill the gap. Newly acquired Blaze Alexander, who batted with an OPS just over .700 last season and can competently play both third and second base, is one candidate poised to receive ample playing time during spring training and beyond.
Another player to watch is Jeremiah Jackson, who made his debut last year and recorded a .276/.328/.447 slash line with five home runs and 21 RBIs in 48 games. Though Jackson appeared at second base for just one inning in 2025, the coming season may present greater opportunities for him to step into that role.
Regardless of who ultimately replaces Holliday, the Orioles face the challenge of filling a considerable void on their roster as they aim to contend within the competitive American League East division.
Implications of Holliday’s Injury for the Orioles’ Season
Jackson Holliday’s injury places considerable uncertainty over one of the Orioles’ promising young talents during a critical phase of team development. Given Baltimore’s ambitions to compete for the top spot in their division, losing Holliday’s contributions early on may affect lineup construction and depth throughout the season.
While the team boasts new acquisitions and solid internal options, Holliday’s recovery and eventual return remain key to the Orioles’ long-term outlook. Monitoring his rehab progress will be essential in assessing how quickly he can resume his role, and how his replacement performs while he is sidelined will influence the team’s ability to maintain momentum heading into 2026.
Mile Elias announced that Jackson Holliday fractured his right hamate bone during a batting practice session and will need surgery. pic.twitter.com/910D3ilXhH
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 11, 2026
