Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday will start the 2026 season on the injured list. He fractured a hamate bone in his right hand during live batting practice on February 6. Mike Elias, the president of baseball operations, shared the news with the media, saying Holliday will likely miss the first few weeks of the season.
Another player, Jordan Westburg, hurt his oblique muscle during training three weeks ago. Fortunately, he’s expected to only miss a few games of the Grapefruit League. The team isn’t worried about his status for Opening Day. However, righty Colin Selby is dealing with shoulder inflammation and is also expected to begin the season on the injured list.
Holliday’s injury is significant. He was the top pick in the draft and had a promising season last year, hitting .242 with 17 home runs and 17 stolen bases. He was set to be the starting second baseman. Now, the team may go with a mix of Blaze Alexander and Jeremiah Jackson for that position. They might also shift Westburg to second base and let Coby Mayo play third.
Fans quickly linked Holliday’s injury to Baltimore’s trade for Alexander. However, the injury occurred after the trade was finalized. This kind of timing often leads to misunderstandings among fans.
Hamate fractures are surprisingly common among athletes. They can sideline players for four to eight weeks after surgery. Even once healed, players might not regain their previous power. Every injury is different, so only time will tell how Holliday will bounce back.
On Selby’s side, his situation is a bit more uncertain. The Orioles brought him in from the Royals in a trade last summer, and he has shown he can perform in the big leagues. In 2025, he had a solid ERA of 3.21 over 14 innings, showing promise as a relief pitcher.
With Selby on the injured list, the competition for the bullpen just got a little easier. Grant Wolfram, Yaramil Hiraldo, and Rico Garcia might have a better chance to make the team now. Also, Chayce McDermott, who has mostly been a starter, is transitioning to a relief role this season.
As the season approaches, the Orioles are making necessary adjustments while waiting for their players to heal. These injuries could shape the team’s strategy early in the season. It’s a reminder of how unpredictable sports can be and how quickly things can change.
For more on injury impacts in sports, you might find this report insightful.
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