The Baltimore Orioles are aiming for improvement in the 2026 season following a lackluster 2025, with infielder Jackson Holliday representing a key figure in their plans. Holliday suffered a broken hamate bone during spring training but has recently begun throwing again as part of his ongoing recovery.
According to Orioles reporter Andy Kostka, Holliday has started throwing a baseball after surgery to remove the broken bone from his right hand. He is scheduled to begin batting practice soon as he follows a carefully managed rehabilitation process.
Holliday’s Status and Team Dynamics
Though Jackson Holliday will miss Opening Day, he is eager to rejoin his Baltimore teammates, including new addition Pete Alonso. Holliday emphasized the importance of adapting to the team’s new coaching staff and language, aiming to stay mentally prepared despite being sidelined.
“With some new slang, new coaches, you don’t want to be too far behind,”
Holliday said.
“I’d rather be just behind on playing and actual reps as opposed to having to learn all of our new stuff on the fly. Just being out there, trying to be as mentally prepared as possible to come back.”
– Jackson Holliday, Infielder
Holliday’s Role and Performance in the Orioles’ Future
Recognized as a foundational player on Baltimore’s roster, Holliday is one of the team’s youngest yet most utilized talents. In the 2025 season, he posted a .242 batting average with 17 home runs, highlighting his potential impact. The Orioles concluded that year with a 75-87 record, finishing last in the American League East.
Looking ahead, Holliday aims to return to the lineup during spring training and be fully ready for the regular season. He has expressed a cautious approach to his comeback, prioritizing readiness over rushing his return.
“As far as I know, I think that’s the goal. I think the timeline’s pretty similar, should be somewhat close to being ready,”
Holliday explained.
“It’s just more of being the player that I want to be, not just rushing out there to fail and try to just make the team out of camp. So just making sure that I’m ready to roll and be the best second 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.”
– Jackson Holliday, Infielder
Spring Preparations and Season Outlook
The Orioles are set to face the Atlanta Braves in a spring training game on Saturday, an important step as Holliday and the team prepare for the upcoming season. Holliday’s injury recovery remains a significant factor in Baltimore’s hopes for a stronger performance in 2026.
His cautious but positive progress signals the team’s dedication to long-term success, balancing timely return with complete readiness, a decision that could influence the Orioles’ competitiveness in the American League East moving forward.
Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday said he has begun throwing a baseball again after having his broken hamate bone removed from his right hand. He said he’s supposed to begin swinging Thursday, as part of a steady buildup
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) February 28, 2026
