The Baltimore Orioles confirmed on Wednesday that Jackson Holliday will not be available for Opening Day after fracturing the hamate bone in his right hand during live batting practice last week. Team president Mike Elias announced the injury and that Holliday underwent surgery the same day. This setback sidelines the second baseman, who has yet to fully demonstrate the potential that made him the number one pick in the 2022 MLB Draft.
Holliday, who debuted two years ago, has batted .229 with 22 home runs and 79 RBIs but will now miss critical early-season at-bats. His absence opens opportunities for Blaze Alexander, recently acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a February 5 trade, which sent prospects Wellington Aracena and Jose Mejia to Arizona in exchange for Alexander and reliever Kade Strowd.
Hamate bone injuries are frequent among power hitters. Notably, New York Mets star Francisco Lindor, who was denied insurance for the World Baseball Classic (WBC), is recovering from the same injury. Arizona’s Corbin Carroll has also reportedly suffered a hamate fracture, casting doubt on his participation in Team USA’s WBC roster.
Tanner Houck Aims for September Return After Surgery
Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck had a challenging 2025 season, posting a 0-3 record with an 8.04 ERA over nine starts before being demoted to the minors, where his struggles continued with an 8.44 ERA over additional starts. In August, Houck underwent Tommy John surgery due to a flexor pronator strain, necessitating a lengthy rehab estimated at 12 to 14 months.
Initially expected to miss all of the 2026 season, Houck was nevertheless signed to a one-year, $4.15 million contract to avoid arbitration. Recent reports from Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald indicate the Red Sox foresee some limited contribution from the 29-year-old this season. Starr stated on social media,
“Tanner Houck starts throwing next week and he’s hoping to contribute in September.”
The Red Sox staff remains well-staffed with additions like Ranger Suarez and Garett Crochet solidifying the rotation, alongside acquisitions Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals and Joahn Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Houck’s potential late-season return could provide additional depth as the team pushes toward the postseason.
Shifts in Team Rosters Reflect Injury Impacts and Strategic Moves
Both the Orioles and Red Sox are navigating roster adjustments shaped by injury setbacks and strategic acquisitions. Holliday’s injury not only affects Baltimore’s lineup but also influences their approach to filling the gap, seen in the trade that brought Alexander to the team. Meanwhile, Houck’s rehab timeline and contract situation highlight the balancing act Boston faces in managing future potential against present uncertainties.
These developments underscore how injuries like hamate fractures and UCL reconstructions can significantly alter player availability and team strategy well before the start of the season, affecting roster construction and competitive outlooks.
Jackson Holliday has a broken hamate bone in his right hand. He will get surgery tomorrow and will miss opening day, Mike Elias said.
Holliday suffered the injury Feb. 6 during live batting practice. His timeline after opening day will be “measured in weeks,” Elias said.
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) February 11, 2026
Tanner Houck starts throwing next week and he’s hoping to contribute in September
— Gabrielle Starr (@gfstarr1) February 11, 2026
