Jackson Holliday Starts Season on Injured List After Hamate Surgery

Jackson Holliday, the promising second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, will begin the 2026 season on the injured list due to a fractured hamate bone in his right hand. The injury occurred during live batting practice on February 6. Mike Elias, the president of baseball operations, confirmed this news to the media.

Impact on the Team

Holliday’s injury is expected to sideline him for several weeks. This setback is particularly significant as he had been anticipated to take on the starting role at second base following a productive 2025 season, where he recorded a .242 batting average, 17 home runs, and 17 stolen bases.

Other Injuries to Keep an Eye On

In addition to Holliday’s injury, infielder Jordan Westburg is also dealing with a recent oblique injury. Thankfully, Westburg is only expected to miss the first few games of Grapefruit League play, and the team does not foresee any problems for his Opening Day availability. On the pitching side, right-handed pitcher Colin Selby is facing shoulder inflammation, which will also place him on the injured list.

Second Base Alternatives

• Blaze Alexander, a recent trade acquisition from the Diamondbacks, is a leading candidate to fill in at second base.
• Utility player Jeremiah Jackson could also step into the role.
• If Westburg’s health permits, he might take over at second, allowing Coby Mayo to see action at third base.

Following Holliday’s injury, many fans speculated if it influenced the team’s decision to trade for Alexander. However, the timing was coincidental as the injury occurred just after the trade was finalized.

Commonality of Hamate Fractures

Hamate fractures, like Holliday’s, are not rare among athletes. Other notable players such as Francisco Lindor and Corbin Carroll are currently recovering from similar injuries. Typically, the surgery required for a hamate fracture means players are out for four to eight weeks. Recovery from such injuries can sometimes hinder a player’s power even after they return to the field.

Selby and Bullpen Dynamics

This will mark Holliday’s first significant Major League injury. For Selby, his outlook is less certain. Acquired from the Kansas City Royals in July 2024, Selby had a mixed 2025 season. He performed well in both the majors and Triple-A, holding a 3.21 ERA in 14 Major League innings. His absence opens up opportunities in the bullpen, potentially benefiting players like Grant Wolfram and Rico Garcia.

Future Considerations

Right-handed pitcher Tyler Wells is set to build on his role as a starter, though he may serve as a long reliever initially. Camp preparations may also allow him to serve as insurance for the rotation as injuries are always a possibility. Well ahead of Opening Day, the Orioles will need to navigate these injury challenges effectively.