SARASOTA — Orioles Infield Depth Tested as Jackson Holliday Undergoes Surgery

Spring training always brings surprises, but the Baltimore Orioles are dealing with an unexpected shake-up in Sarasota. With top prospects and key contributors sidelined or departing for international play, manager Craig Albernaz will have an extended opportunity to evaluate the club’s infield depth ahead of Opening Day.

The most significant development involves Jackson Holliday, who will undergo surgery Thursday to remove his right hamate bone. Holliday suffered the injury while taking live batting practice on February 6 in Sarasota. Hamate injuries are not uncommon among hitters, but they can require weeks of recovery and careful ramp-up before returning to full power at the plate.

In addition to his injury, Holliday had already been scheduled to leave camp March 1 to join Team USA for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Now, his absence creates an even greater void in the Orioles’ infield plans.

Jordan Westburg Also Behind Schedule

Compounding the issue is the status of third baseman Jordan Westburg. Westburg, who could have shifted to second base to help offset Holliday’s absence, will miss the opening Grapefruit League games due to a strained right oblique, according to president of baseball operations Mike Elias.

Oblique injuries can be tricky for hitters, particularly those relying on rotational power. The Orioles are expected to take a cautious approach to avoid setbacks.

With both Holliday and Westburg unavailable early in camp, significant playing time is now up for grabs.

Opportunities for Infielders in Camp

Several infielders could benefit from the expanded reps this spring.

Recently acquired Blaze Alexander, who joined the Orioles in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, is viewed as a primary beneficiary. His versatility and defensive reliability could position him for meaningful early action.

Additionally, Jeremiah Jackson and Coby Mayo — both on the 40-man roster — will get extended opportunities to showcase their readiness.

“We have some guys with versatility,” Albernaz said. “We have guys that can move around. All those guys are going to be getting reps and as we go through camp it gives us a chance to prep guys and see how guys look.”

Non-roster invitees Payton Eeles, Luis Vázquez, and Weston Wilson could also see increased playing time as the Orioles evaluate internal options.

Elias did not rule out an external addition, noting that the club remains open to bolstering the infield if needed before Opening Day.

Bullpen Note: Colin Selby to Begin Season on IL

The Orioles will also be without right-handed reliever Colin Selby to start the season. Selby is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, an issue that surfaced near the end of last year.

Selby previously missed time with a hamstring injury but returned to post a 3.21 ERA across 11 appearances. He arrived in Sarasota in December to begin early preparation, but the shoulder concern will delay his 2026 debut.

Kremer Ready for Third World Baseball Classic

On the pitching side, Dean Kremer is preparing for his third appearance in the World Baseball Classic.

“He’s had runway to know that he’s going to be pitching,” Albernaz said. “His whole offseason has been built up toward that.”

The Orioles do not plan to impose an artificial innings limit on Kremer but will monitor his workload carefully as the long season unfolds.

Catching Depth: Sam Huff Joins the Organization

Behind the plate, the Orioles added depth by signing Sam Huff to a minor league contract on January 15.

Huff has appeared in 98 major league games with the Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants since 2020. With 12 career home runs and a reputation for throwing ability — including a 29.2% caught-stealing rate last season — Huff provides insurance behind starters Adley Rutschman and top prospect Samuel Basallo.

“Opportunity — overall I just want to come out and play and show what I can do and help the team win,” Huff said. “Hitting the ball hard, throwing the ball, but overall, trying to be a good teammate.”

If injuries arise, Huff is a logical first call-up option.

The Emotional Toll of Holliday’s Injury

While roster adjustments are part of spring training, the loss of Holliday carries emotional weight.

“It definitely hurts the team,” Albernaz said. “It hurts the team in the sense that, just the morale, right? These guys care and love each other.”

Holliday is widely viewed as a cornerstone of the Orioles’ future, and his absence — even temporary — impacts both lineup construction and clubhouse energy.

What It Means Moving Forward

For the Orioles, this stretch of uncertainty also represents opportunity. Extended spring reps allow the organization to evaluate depth, test versatility, and identify potential breakout contributors.

If Alexander, Jackson, or Mayo capitalize on their chances, the Orioles could emerge from camp with improved roster flexibility.

As Grapefruit League action begins, all eyes in Sarasota will be on how Baltimore navigates early adversity — and which infielders seize the moment.