Jackson Holliday Begins Rehab Assignment with Orioles

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday is set to begin a rehab assignment on Friday with the Norfolk Tides, the team's Triple-A affiliate. This development suggests that Holliday, who suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand during batting practice in February, will not be sidelined for an extended period. Following surgery on February 12, the Orioles initially indicated that Holliday would miss Opening Day, which is scheduled for Thursday against the Minnesota Twins at Camden Yards.

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Holliday's injury comes at a challenging time for the Orioles, as fellow infielder Jordan Westburg is also dealing with an elbow injury. As a result, Blaze Alexander is expected to receive additional playing time at second base at the start of the season. Holliday, the first overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, had a notable performance last season, batting .242 with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs across 149 games.

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The Orioles announced Holliday's rehab assignment, emphasizing that his return to the big-league team is anticipated soon. The team has not provided a specific timeline for his return but remains optimistic about his recovery.

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While there has been no significant public criticism regarding Holliday's injury or the team's management of it, some analysts have pointed out the potential impact of his absence on the team's early season performance. The combination of injuries to key players like Holliday and Westburg raises concerns about the depth of the Orioles' roster as they head into the season.

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As Holliday begins his rehab stint, the Orioles will closely monitor his progress. The team hopes to have him back in the lineup shortly after the rehab assignment, which will be crucial for maintaining their competitive edge in the early part of the season.

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“On Wednesday, the Orioles said Holliday will join their Triple-A affiliate, the Norfolk Tides, for the start of a rehab assignment Friday.” — Baltimore Orioles Statement

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