Jackson Holliday Injury: Orioles Star to Miss Opening Day with Hook of Hamate Fracture

Orioles’ Jackson Holliday to Undergo Surgery for Hamate Bone Fracture, Will Miss Opening Day

Sarasota, Fla. – Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday will undergo surgery on Thursday to repair a broken hamate bone in his right hand, the team announced Wednesday. The injury will sideline the 22-year-old for at least the start of the 2026 season, including the March 26th home opener against the Minnesota Twins.

The injury occurred during live batting practice on February 6th, according to Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias. Holliday’s recovery timeline is expected to be measured in weeks following the surgery, Elias said, meaning his return to the lineup will be delayed but is not expected to be season-ending.

The hamate bone, sometimes referred to as the hook bone, is located on the outside of the hand and is a common site of injury for baseball players due to the stress of swinging a bat. Surgery often involves removing the bone, a procedure comparable to a tonsillectomy, and typically requires a recovery period of six to eight weeks, though individual recovery times can vary.

Holliday, the first overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, showed significant improvement in 2025, establishing himself as the Orioles’ everyday second baseman. He finished last season with a .242 batting average, a .314 on-base percentage, and a .375 slugging percentage, hitting 17 home runs and driving in 55 runs across 149 games. He also added 17 stolen bases.

Prior to the injury, Holliday was expected to continue his development and take another step forward in 2026. Elias expressed his concern for Holliday, noting the unfortunate nature of the injury. “I just feel for Jackson,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “He had a great offseason and comes in here early and he’s looking great, and a freak thing [happens].”

The Orioles will now consider options to fill the void at second base while Holliday recovers. Infielder Blaze Alexander, acquired in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks for reliever Kade Strowd and prospects Wellington Aracena and Jose Mejia, is a potential replacement.

Elias also provided an update on third baseman Jordan Westburg, who is currently recovering from a right oblique injury. While Westburg is improving, his participation in spring training games will be delayed. Elias does not anticipate Westburg missing any regular season games.

Holliday reached the Major Leagues less than two years after being drafted by Baltimore. He initially struggled in two stints with the team in 2024, hitting .189 with a .565 OPS in 60 games. However, his performance improved markedly in 2025, solidifying his position in the Orioles lineup.

Despite the setback, the Orioles remain optimistic about Holliday’s long-term potential. The team views the injury as a common baseball ailment that, while requiring time to heal, should not have lasting consequences.