Jackson Holliday is back in the Orioles lineup, and a potential position change might be on the cards.
Manager Craig Albernaz is pleased to have Holliday available and is open to utilising the infielder’s athleticism in various roles.
Albernaz Hints at Position Flexibility
Albernaz joked about Holliday’s potential to play different positions. “I have confidence that Holliday can play center field right now,” Albernaz said. “He might catch, who knows.”
More seriously, Holliday began playing at third base during his recent rehab assignment, logging five games there. While he’s never played third base in an MLB game, that could change soon.
“I would like to think maybe, if I’m going out there and taking grounders and rehabbing over there,” Holliday said when asked if he expects to play third before the Rays series ends Wednesday. “I’ll be as ready as I can be, I guess. If that’s what’s called upon me, and I’ll give it all I got.
“I might not even play out there, but just to have it and be able to go out there and at least feel a little confident, a little comfortable has been fun.”
Holliday’s Rehab and Return to Form
Holliday’s return to the lineup follows a period of rehab after undergoing right hamate surgery on February 12. His rehab assignment was paused twice due to right wrist soreness and then right hand discomfort.
Upon returning to action on May 7, Holliday batted .176 with a .575 OPS across 22 rehab games. However, he had a hit in each of his final four rehab games with Triple-A Norfolk, including a home run on May 16 and a triple on May 17. He also walked 10 times in 22 games.
“I thought I saw the ball well, took some walks, but it was definitely much easier to get off a good swing than in the past,” Holliday said. “They weren’t great, but it’s rehab for a reason. Unfortunately, a broken hand isn’t exactly the easiest to kind of deal with.”
Overcoming Injury Concerns
Holliday admitted to feeling a slight bit of nagging pain near his surgical scar, but considers it “completely normal.” He is confident that he can swing without worrying about reinjury.
It took him a few rehab games to gain that trust. Now he is looking forward to helping the O’s.
- Underwent right hamate surgery on Feb. 12
- Rehab assignment paused twice
- Batted .176 with a .575 OPS across 22 rehab games
“As long as Holliday is in the lineup and on our team, you feel really good about it,” said Albernaz.
After being reinstated from the injured list on Monday, Holliday made his season debut Tuesday at his primary position of second base, batting seventh.