Orioles Injuries: Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg & Colin Selby to Start Season on IL
- – The Baltimore Orioles’ spring training plans have hit a snag with a series of injuries to key players, most notably second baseman Jackson Holliday, who will undergo...
- Holliday, the team’s top prospect and expected starting second baseman, suffered the injury during live batting practice on February 6.
- The injury to Holliday underscores the importance of the Orioles’ recent acquisition of Blaze Alexander from the Arizona Diamondbacks on February 5.
SARASOTA, Fla. – The Baltimore Orioles’ spring training plans have hit a snag with a series of injuries to key players, most notably second baseman Jackson Holliday, who will undergo surgery Thursday to address a fractured hamate bone in his right hand. The news, delivered by Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias on Wednesday, casts a shadow over the team’s preparations for the season.
Holliday, the team’s top prospect and expected starting second baseman, suffered the injury during live batting practice on . Elias indicated that Holliday’s recovery timeline is uncertain, potentially sidelining him until May, and even then, a full return to his usual power numbers isn’t guaranteed. Hamate injuries are known to linger, often impacting a player’s ability to generate power for an extended period.
The injury to Holliday underscores the importance of the Orioles’ recent acquisition of Blaze Alexander from the Arizona Diamondbacks on . While the timing of the trade wasn’t directly influenced by Holliday’s injury – the fracture occurred the day after the deal was finalized – it provides much-needed infield depth. Alexander will now likely see significant playing time at second base in Holliday’s absence.
Adding to the Orioles’ injury concerns, infielder Jordan Westburg is dealing with oblique soreness that has persisted for approximately three weeks. Elias expressed confidence that Westburg would be ready for Opening Day, but the situation bears watching. The oblique issue also factored into the rationale behind acquiring Alexander, providing insurance should Westburg’s condition worsen.
Right-handed pitcher Colin Selby has also been placed on the injured list with inflammation in his right shoulder. Selby, acquired from the Kansas City Royals in , showed promise in limited action last season, posting a 3.21 ERA in 14 innings. His absence opens up opportunities for other pitchers vying for a spot in the bullpen, including Grant Wolfram, Yaramil Hiraldo, and Rico Garcia, the latter of whom is out of minor league options.
The Orioles’ pitching staff will also see Chayce McDermott transition to a relief role. Elias stated that the 27-year-old right-hander will be utilized as a reliever this season, providing another arm for manager Craig Albernaz to deploy from the bullpen. Tyler Wells will continue to build up as a starter, offering the team flexibility and insurance in case of rotation injuries.
Holliday’s injury is a significant blow to the Orioles, who were counting on the young star to build upon his impressive season, where he batted .242 with 17 home runs and 17 stolen bases in 149 games. His absence will test the depth of the Orioles’ roster and provide an opportunity for players like Alexander and potentially Coby Mayo to showcase their abilities. Mayo could see time at third base if Westburg is unavailable or if the team seeks to maximize playing time for its young infielders.
The hamate bone injury is a relatively common ailment among baseball players, with Francisco Lindor and Corbin Carroll currently sidelined with similar issues. The surgery typically requires a recovery period of four to eight weeks, but the long-term impact on a player’s power can vary. Holliday’s ability to regain his full strength will be a key storyline to follow throughout the season.
Manager Albernaz expressed his concern for Holliday, acknowledging the hard work he put in during the offseason. However, he emphasized the importance of other players stepping up in Holliday’s absence. “It definitely hurts the team, and I think it hurts the team just in the sense of morale for a little bit because these guys care and love each other,” Albernaz said. “But now it’s time for people to step up and help us win games out of the chute.”
While the Orioles’ injury situation is undoubtedly concerning, the team remains optimistic about its overall prospects for the season. The depth added through the acquisition of Alexander, coupled with the potential for other players to emerge, should help the team navigate these early-season challenges. The focus now shifts to the recovery of Holliday, Westburg, and Selby, and the development of the players who will step into their roles.