The Baltimore Orioles are facing a decision on Jeremiah Jackson after an update on Jackson Holliday's injury.
The Baltimore Orioles are approaching a big roster decision as they await the return of infielder Jackson Holliday. Baltimore dropped its weekend four-game series against the Cleveland Guardians, losing three out of four matchups.
The club is looking to get back on track for their upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals beginning on Monday. The Orioles are sitting two games under .500, but they may be getting reinforcements soon in the form of Holliday.
Holliday’s father and former MLB All-Star, Matt Holliday, offered encouraging news in an appearance on Foul Territory regarding his son's recovery. Holliday’s wrist soreness is not considered serious, and the team believes it stems from overcompensating after his hamate surgery rather than a new structural issue.
Holliday is currently on a new rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk, putting him on track to rejoin the Orioles sooner rather than later. With Holliday nearing a return, the question becomes unavoidable: What happens to Jeremiah Jackson?
Jackson has been one of Baltimore’s brightest surprises this season. After bouncing between positions last year, he has thrived at second base in 2026 and has emerged as a legitimate major-league contributor.
Through his first 20 games, the 26-year-old right-handed hitter has posted a .303 batting average, .319 on-base percentage, .879 OPS, five home runs and 17 RBIs. Fans have taken notice, and many are openly wondering whether the Orioles can justify sending him back to the minors once Holliday returns.
The Orioles have multiple pathways. Jackson could be used as a utility player, moving between second base, third base and right field while Holliday resumes everyday duties.
A platoon also makes sense: Jackson hits right-handed, Holliday hits left-handed, and the natural split could allow both to play regularly without forcing one into a reduced role.
Jackson is in his first full MLB season and is clearly trending upward, while Holliday, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, has yet to fully meet expectations at the major-league level.
Baltimore is in win-now mode, and the offense has been inconsistent. That reality makes Jackson’s emergence even more valuable. If he continues producing at this level, the Orioles may decide that keeping him in the lineup full-time is the best path forward, regardless of how the depth chart looked on Opening Day.
For now, the Orioles decision will depend on performance and Holliday’s health, but all signs point to Jackson staying in Baltimore, with the only question being where he plays.