Baltimore Orioles’ Craig Albernaz Reveals Reason Behind Jackson Holliday Decision

The Baltimore Orioles have been hit hard by injuries all year long, but they finally received a major boost last week when infielder Jackson Holliday officially returned from the injured list.

Holliday missed the first two months of the season after suffering a broken hamate bone in his right hand, an injury that required surgery. His recovery included multiple setbacks that delayed his season debut far longer than expected. What was originally projected to be a one-week absence turned into 48 missed games.

Since returning, the Orioles have eased Holliday back into action. They have routinely given him days off and frequently started Jeremiah Jackson over him at second base against left-handed pitchers.

That changed on Monday. Instead of sitting against Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan, Holliday drew the start. Manager Craig Albernaz explained the reasoning behind the decision.

“We all see the talent and the impact player that he is and is going to be. So definitely don't view him as a platoon player by any stretch.” Albernaz said (h/t Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun).

Albernaz added that he is still trying to balance Holliday’s progression from the hamate injury with the need to get him consistent playing time, describing it as a matter of finding the right spots.

Monday was one of those spots, even if the results did not necessarily follow. Holliday struck out three times in five plate appearances, though he did reach base once on a walk.

Albernaz’s confidence is understandable. Holliday was drafted first overall in the 2022 MLB Draft out of high school and was unanimously considered MLB’s top prospect before making his debut in 2024.

The talent has never been in question. The production, however, has lagged behind expectations. Through 214 career games, Holliday owns a .229 batting average, .300 on-base percentage and .661 OPS. He has also played league-average defense, making him a net-negative player for the Orioles. It is also no longer a small sample size.

Still, Holliday is only 22 years old, and the Orioles remain confident he will develop into a key piece of their future. His return gives Baltimore a much-needed boost as they continue to deal with several injuries across the 40-man roster.

Holliday will look to bounce back in Game 2 against Tampa Bay on Tuesday, and he will likely remain in the lineup with the Rays scheduled to give the ball to right-hander Griffin Jax.