Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday is preparing to undergo hand surgery and is expected to start the season on the injured list.
President of baseball operations Mike Elias announced the news during an injury recap in Sarasota, Florida, on Wednesday morning, according to MASN Sports. Holliday reportedly broke the hamate bone in his right hand while taking batting practice on Feb. 6.
“It happens to hitters a lot. It’s nothing concerning long term, but he’s gonna miss some time. Won’t be ready for Opening Day and hopefully his return is measured in weeks after that, but you’re not gonna see much of him here in Sarasota,” Elias told reporters, according to MASN sports.
For those unfamiliar, the hamate bone — which could cause Corbin Carroll, Francisco Lindor, and Jackson Holliday to miss Opening Day — is a small, hook-shaped bone on the palm, just underneath the pinky, that is particularly susceptible to breaking. While the recovery is typically…
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 11, 2026
“I just feel for Jackson,” new Orioles manager Craig Albernaz told MLB.com. “He had a great offseason and comes in here early, and he’s looking great, and a freak thing [happens]. … But his mindset right now is great. He’s going to get the surgery and go through the process of rehab, and he’ll be ready to go.”
He is expected to undergo surgery on Thursday in Los Angeles, the outlet reported.
Holliday’s Injury a Blow to New Orioles Lineup
The surprise injury update is a considerable roadblock not only to Holliday’s development but also to the Orioles’ 2026 prospects.
Baltimore is looking for bounce-back seasons following their dismal 2025 campaign, primarily from Adley Rutschman. Holliday had been one of the team’s bright spots in 2025, batting a .242/.314/.690 slash line with 17 home runs. The former first-overall prospect also stole 17 bases and had three triples.
The Orioles had signed first baseman Pete Alonso and traded for outfielders Taylor Ward and Blaze Alexander to help anchor the lineup. It’s unclear when Holliday will return to the lineup or what the actual timeframe for recovery is.
Alexander, who played at second and third base for the Diamondbacks in 2025, is projected to take the spot, per Fangraphs. The Orioles also have Jeremiah Jackson to fill the role if he is successful out of camp.
Other Players Suffer the Same Injury in Offseason
The 21-year-old is not the first player to suffer a hamate bone injury this offseason. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll are also expected to undergo surgery on their hamate bones.
Carroll was scheduled to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic next month. The Mets, however, are optimistic Lindor can return by Opening Day, according to the New York Daily News.
“People are saying six weeks for return to play,” manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Wednesday afternoon, per Daily News. “Knowing Lindor, I’m not going to bet against him.”
Main Photo Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
