Orioles Face Early Season Challenges with Holliday Injury
The Baltimore Orioles are navigating a setback as second baseman Jackson Holliday will undergo surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his right hand, sidelining him for Opening Day. The announcement, made by Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias, casts a shadow over the start of Spring Training. This injury, sustained during batting practice last week, is a common one for hitters, but will require a recovery period measured in weeks, according to Elias.
The Hamate Bone and Baseball Injuries
The hamate bone, located in the wrist, is a frequent site of injury for baseball players, particularly hitters. The injury often occurs due to the high-impact forces generated during swings. Whereas not considered a long-term concern, a fractured hamate bone typically requires surgery and a significant recovery period. Recent injuries to Francisco Lindor and Corbin Carroll highlight a concerning trend of hamate bone fractures among prominent MLB players, though Jeff Passan noted there’s no apparent correlation between the injuries.
Holliday’s Impact and the Road to Recovery
Holliday, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 draft, made his debut with the Orioles in April 2024 and has shown promise in his young career. Through 209 career games, he has hit 22 home runs and maintained a .300 on-base percentage. His absence at the start of the 2026 season will undoubtedly impact the Orioles’ lineup and require adjustments in their strategic approach. The team will be closely monitoring his progress throughout his recovery.
Westburg’s Oblique Injury: A Secondary Concern
Adding to the Orioles’ injury concerns, third baseman Jordan Westburg is currently dealing with a right oblique injury. While Elias indicated Westburg is improving, his participation in early Spring Training games will be delayed. Fortunately, Westburg is not expected to miss any regular season games.
Orioles Spring Training and Season Outlook
Spring Training is underway in Sarasota, Florida, with pitchers and catchers reporting on February 9th, and position players beginning practice on February 12th. The Orioles’ first spring training game is scheduled for February 20th against the Yankees. The regular season will begin at home on March 26th against the Minnesota Twins.
Navigating a Competitive AL East
The Orioles finished last in the American League East in 2025 after reaching the playoffs in the previous two seasons. Holliday’s injury presents an early challenge as they aim to regain their competitive edge in a tough division. The team will require to rely on depth and the performance of other players to compensate for his absence.
FAQ
Q: What is the hamate bone?
A: The hamate bone is a small bone in the wrist that is commonly injured by baseball players due to the forces generated during swings.
Q: How long will Jackson Holliday be out?
A: Holliday’s recovery is expected to take weeks, and he will miss Opening Day.
Q: Is Jordan Westburg expected to miss regular season games?
A: No, Jordan Westburg is not expected to miss any regular season games despite his oblique injury.
Q: When do the Orioles play their first spring training game?
A: The Orioles play their first spring training game on February 20th against the Yankees.
Pro Tip: Monitoring player injury reports throughout Spring Training is crucial for fantasy baseball drafts and understanding team performance projections.
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