Jackson Holliday Joins Orioles in St. Pete Ahead of Potential Return

Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday has joined the team’s complex in St. Petersburg, Florida, as he continues his rehab process ahead of a potential return to the major-league roster. The move comes as the Orioles monitor his progress following a right-hand injury that has sidelined him since February.

The 22-year-old second baseman, the top overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, underwent surgery on February 12 to address a fractured hook of the hamate bone in his right hand—a procedure that has kept him on the 10-day injured list for the entirety of the 2026 season. Holliday has spent the past several weeks working through rehab assignments at the minor-league level, most recently with Double-A Chesapeake, where he participated in live batting practice on May 7 and officially began his third rehab assignment on May 9.

As of May 18, Holliday remains on track for a mid-May return, though no official timeline has been announced. His most recent setback occurred on April 22, when he exited a rehab game with Triple-A Norfolk due to right-hand discomfort. Follow-up testing revealed only minor inflammation, a normal part of recovery from the hamate procedure, according to Orioles manager Craig Albernaz.

Albernaz has emphasized a cautious, day-by-day approach to Holliday’s rehabilitation, noting that the player’s confidence and physical readiness are key factors in determining his return. In a statement following Holliday’s most recent rehab appearance, Albernaz said:

He’s checking every box. Everything feels good. He’s put in great work. He feels great. And that’s the biggest thing is whatever the player feels like.

— Craig Albernaz, Orioles manager

The Orioles have expressed optimism about Holliday’s progress, despite his underwhelming performance in rehab games so far. Across 15 rehab appearances this season, he is batting .167 with a .237 on-base percentage and .222 slugging percentage in 59 plate appearances. His most recent minor-league action includes 12 games with Triple-A Norfolk, two with High-A Frederick, and one with Double-A Chesapeake.

Holliday’s injury has deprived the Orioles of one of their most promising young talents. In his first full MLB season in 2025, he appeared in 149 games, hitting .242 with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs while earning a finalist spot in the American League fan vote for the 2025 All-Star Game at second base. His absence this year has left a void at second base, where the Orioles have relied on a mix of veteran leadership and developmental depth.

The Orioles’ decision to bring Holliday to St. Petersburg suggests they are preparing for his imminent return, though the final call will depend on his performance in upcoming rehab workouts. If cleared, he would rejoin a team that has struggled with consistency at the position, particularly in the early going of the 2026 season.

For now, the focus remains on Holliday’s recovery, with the Orioles and their medical staff prioritizing his long-term health over immediate roster needs. His return, whenever it comes, would mark a significant milestone not only for his personal rehabilitation but also for the Orioles’ depth at a critical defensive position.