The Baltimore Orioles have encountered some setbacks during spring training, as young infielder Jackson Holliday began camp recovering from a broken hamate bone that required surgical repair. Alongside him, teammate Jordan Westburg suffered a partial UCL tear, sidelining him until at least May. Despite these challenges, the Orioles recently received promising news regarding Holliday’s rehabilitation and readiness to return to baseball activities.
According to Jake Rill of MLB.com, Holliday has had his stitches removed and has been cleared to restart limited baseball operations. He is now permitted to engage in workouts, field ground balls, and participate in one-handed hitting drills as part of his gradual comeback process. The hope remains that Holliday can be fully back in action before the Orioles conclude spring training next month.
Holliday Prioritizes Full Recovery Over Rushing Return
While Holliday is making progress, he is approaching his return with caution. Although eager to contribute, the 22-year-old intends to avoid pushing too hard too quickly.
“I could probably rush it and get back for Opening Day, but just making sure that I’m ready to roll,”
Holliday told MLB.com’s Jake Rill.
This statement implies that Holliday likely will miss the season opener, confirming Baltimore’s need to explore alternatives at second base for now. Hamate bone injuries typically require several weeks to months for complete healing, with regaining hand strength presenting the most significant hurdle. Without full hand strength, Holliday’s ability to generate his usual swing power will remain limited.
In Holliday’s absence, players such as Jeremiah Jackson could see increased playing time to cover the second base position. Despite the delay, Holliday is optimistic about minimizing missed games once the regular season begins.
Orioles’ Spring Training Progress amid Roster Adjustments
As Baltimore advances through spring training, the team has completed three games, holding a 1-1-1 record. Though spring results are not typically indicative of regular-season performance, early observations provide insights into player form and roster depth.
Newly acquired slugger Pete Alonso is making an immediate impact with his power at the plate, recording two home runs and three RBIs over five at-bats while avoiding strikeouts. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Jackson, a potential stand-in for Holliday, has tallied one hit in four at-bats. Although Jackson’s hard contact remains limited—his maximum exit velocity reaching 92.7 mph—he has maintained a good strikeout discipline, something the Orioles expect to improve as spring continues.
Looking ahead, Baltimore is scheduled to face the Atlanta Braves in their fourth spring training game, continuing preparations with key players closely monitored as they navigate injury recoveries and roster adjustments.
Implications for the Orioles’ Season Start
This latest update on Jackson Holliday’s condition suggests steady rehabilitation progress, even if he is not immediately ready for full competition. His paced return aligns with the Orioles’ cautious approach to player health, aiming to ensure his long-term effectiveness rather than rushing back prematurely.
Baltimore’s ability to adapt in the early weeks of the season will partially hinge on how well replacements like Jeremiah Jackson perform in Holliday’s absence. The continued development of players such as Pete Alonso also offers optimism for the team’s offensive capabilities as the regular season approaches.
With spring training still underway, the Orioles remain focused on fine-tuning their roster amidst the setbacks and will closely track Holliday’s recovery as a key factor in their infield stability and overall success in the coming months.
Jackson Holliday had stitches removed from right hand, no longer wearing black wrap. He said he can start working out, fielding ground balls, swinging with one hand.
He said the hope continues to be that he’ll be a full participant sometime before Orioles break camp next month.
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) February 23, 2026
Jackson Holliday: “Should be somewhat close to being ready, just more of being the player that I want to be … Be the best 2nd baseman that I can be is kind of the outlook I have. I could probably rush it and get back for Opening Day, but just making sure that I’m ready to roll.” https://t.co/wULXLJ0ef3
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) February 23, 2026
