Orioles Face Tough Roster Decision with Holliday's Return

Jackson Holliday's rehab from a broken hamate bone is nearing completion, forcing the Orioles to make a difficult roster move.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with their body and the field of play broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.The Orioles' roster decisions surrounding top prospect Jackson Holliday's return from injury expose the team's wealth of young talent and the challenges of balancing development with immediate contention.Norfolk Today

Baltimore Orioles prospect Jackson Holliday underwent surgery to remove a broken hamate bone earlier this spring, ruling him out for the start of the season. While other players like Francisco Lindor and Corbin Carroll recovered in time to make their teams' opening day rosters, the Orioles have taken a slower approach with Holliday's rehab. Now that Holliday is nearing a return to game action with the team's Triple-A affiliate, the Orioles will soon have to make a tough decision on who to send down to the minors to make room for him on the major league roster.

Why it matters

The Orioles have a number of young, promising players vying for roster spots, and Holliday's return will force them to make a difficult choice on who to demote. This decision could have significant implications for the team's depth and long-term development as they aim to contend in the AL East.

The details

Holliday, the Orioles' top prospect, sustained his hamate injury around the same time as other players like Francisco Lindor and Corbin Carroll, but the Orioles have taken a slower approach with his rehab. While Lindor and Carroll recovered in time for spring training, Holliday is just now returning to game action with the team's Triple-A affiliate, the Norfolk Tides. His slow start, going 0-for-6 with four strikeouts in his first couple of games, is understandable given the timing of his injury, but it hasn't forced the Orioles' hand just yet. However, it's only a matter of time before Holliday rounds into form and the Orioles have to make a roster move to activate him.

  • Holliday sustained his hamate injury around the same time as other players like Francisco Lindor and Corbin Carroll in late February.
  • Lindor and Carroll recovered in time to play in spring training games and make their teams' opening day rosters.
  • Holliday is just now returning to game action with the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate, the Norfolk Tides.

The players

Jackson Holliday

The Baltimore Orioles' top prospect, who underwent surgery to remove a broken hamate bone earlier this spring, ruling him out for the start of the season.

Francisco Lindor

A player who sustained a similar hamate injury around the same time as Holliday but recovered in time to make the opening day roster.

Corbin Carroll

Another player who sustained a hamate injury around the same time as Holliday and Lindor, but recovered in time to make the opening day roster.

Jeremiah Jackson

An Orioles player who has been covering second base in Holliday's absence and has been one of the team's best hitters so far this season.

Blaze Alexander

An Orioles player who has also been covering second base in Holliday's absence and is out of options, making him unlikely to be demoted.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Over the next couple of weeks, Holliday is expected to round into form, forcing the Orioles to activate him and make a difficult roster decision on who to send down to the minors.

The takeaway

The Orioles' decision on who to demote to make room for Holliday's return will be a tough one, as they have several young, promising players vying for roster spots. This move could have significant implications for the team's depth and long-term development as they aim to contend in the AL East.