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Jackson Holliday has received some great injury news.
The Baltimore Orioles have had to battle a little bit of adversity this spring. Jackson Holliday started camp by breaking his hamate bone, which required surgery. Then, Jordan Westburg went down with a partially torn UCL, which will keep him out until at least May. These are two starting infielders who are getting a late start to the year. But the Orioles have just received some great news regarding Holliday.
Jake Rill of MLB.com has reported that Holliday got his stitches removed, and he is cleared to resume some baseball activities. He can work out, field ground balls, and begin one-handed hitting drills.
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.
The even better news is that Holliday is hoping to be back to being a full participant before spring training ends.
Jackson Holliday Not Rushing Back
GettyJackson Holliday is still expected to miss opening day.
Although Holliday has been cleared to resume some baseball activity, he is in no hurry to get back. The 22-year-old would love to be back by opening day, but if he needs extra time to be ready, then he will use it.
“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 Rill.
Holliday saying this makes it sound like he is expecting to miss opening day. That does not come as a surprise, but it is confirmation that Baltimore will need a replacement at second base. Still, it is great news that Holliday can resume some baseball activity so soon.
Hamate bone injuries are not something to rush back from, anyway. They can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to properly heal. The biggest obstacle Holliday will have to face is getting his strength back. If his hand is not at full strength, he is not going to be able to swing the bat like he normally would.
Baltimore has second base options with the former first overall pick out. Jeremiah Jackson, for example, is one player who could see an increased role in Holliday’s absence. But Holliday does not expect to miss many games once the regular season starts.
Orioles Spring Training Thus Far
GettyJeremiah Jackson will see an increased role as long as Holliday is out.
Baltimore has played three spring training games heading into Monday. They are 1-1-1 in those three games. But, of course, the record does not hold any water in the spring.
Pete Alonso is in his first spring with the Orioles and is already showcasing his massive power. He is 2-for-5 with two home runs, three RBI, and he has yet to strike out.
Jackson, a possible replacement for Holliday, is 1-for-4 this spring. He has not made the hardest contact in his four at-bats (92.7 mph max exit velocity), but he has also not struck out. Baltimore will no doubt like to see him make harder contact, but that will come as the spring continues.
On Monday, the Orioles will take on the Atlanta Braves in spring training game number four.
Cam Zunkel Cam Zunkel has been a sports journalist since 2022. He covers the NBA and MLB for Heavy.com. Cam also covers multiple MLB teams for On SI – part of the Sports Illustrated Brand. He is a former collegiate baseball player with two stops in the independent Frontier League. More about Cam Zunkel
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