MLB Injury Update: Orioles’ Jackson Holliday set to miss start of regular season after breaking hamate bone

The Orioles announced Wednesday that Jackson Holliday, Baltimore's top overall prospect and a star-studded young second baseman, will miss the start of the 2026 regular season after breaking the hamate bone in his right hand. Jackson, 22, sustained the injury during live BP earlier this week and will require surgery that puts him out to begin the year on the injured list. Baltimore was counting on Holliday to be a major part of its lineup on Opening Day, and the setback comes at a tough time for the franchise.Holliday, who is the former first overall pick and one of the top prospects in baseball this season after gaining more experience in the majors, was expected to take another leap this year. The recovery time will be measured in weeks, not days, but team officials have not offered a definitive timetable for his return. As the regular season nears, the Orioles will now have to get set to kick off the year without one of their top young talents.The injury happened during ordinary live examining rehearses, the Orioles affirmed. The hamate bone, a small, hook-shaped bone found at the base of the hand, is especially prone to injury from pinching the swing. Doctors said they scheduled surgery for Thursday to repair the break, and they expect normal postoperative recovery.Familiar injuries for hitters could try out with how long it takes for a broken hamate to get back together, and how long it requires for power to return. Most players who have the procedure are back to baseball activities in a few weeks, but they may not have full grip strength or bat control for a longer period of time. Since the injury impacts a player’s ability to swing pain-free, teams usually approach a full return with caution.Holliday's absence leaves an immediate hole in Baltimore's infield plans. Originally, the club was expected to utilize him as its Opening Day second baseman, but those plans will now have to wait until he's healthy. Blaze Alexander, who was acquired earlier in the offseason, is a candidate for short-term playing time while Holliday is on the mend. Opening Day is still a week away, and the Orioles could turn to their internal depth or look to make further moves to the roster before then.A little better news regarding one more injured infielder came the organization's way, however. Third baseman Jordan Westurg is experiencing a mild right oblique problem, which will restrict his involvement in action during the early stages of spring training, according to team officials, but should not prevent him from being ready for the regular season. And that update at least offers some stability for a suddenly early, uncertain roster.