Orioles’ Jackson Holliday Set to Test Third Base as Team Seeks Infield Versatility

Baltimore, MD – The Baltimore Orioles are preparing for a lineup adjustment as infielder Jackson Holliday is expected to start at third base for Double-A Chesapeake Baysox on Sunday. This will mark Holliday’s third professional appearance at the hot corner, as the 22-year-old continues his recovery from a hamate bone fracture that has kept him off the major league roster for much of the 2026 season.

Holliday, primarily a second baseman at the big-league level, has only briefly ventured away from his usual spot. Despite appearing in 188 starts at second base and seven at shortstop in his MLB career, the Orioles see value in testing him at third, given current roster needs.

“We talked to him, see where his head is at, and he was for it,” manager Craig Albernaz told reporters, including Roch Kubatko of MASN.
“I think if you look at our roster, versatility is something that we need.”

Holliday’s Road to Recovery

Holliday’s hamate fracture has been a persistent hurdle. He was one of three notable players who suffered hamate injuries this spring, along with Francisco Lindor and Corbin Carroll. While Lindor and Carroll were ready for Opening Day, Holliday has struggled to regain full strength, facing repeated pauses in his rehabilitation due to soreness in his surgically repaired hand.

He returned to minor league action with the Baysox after a two-week absence, and his gradual reintegration includes experimenting with third base—a position he hasn’t played regularly in three years. In 2023, Holliday made only one appearance each at High-A and Double-A third base, underscoring the experimental nature of this move.

Defensive Metrics and Challenges

Holliday’s defensive metrics at second base have drawn scrutiny. In 2025, he posted -10 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) as Baltimore’s primary second baseman and ranked in the 5th percentile for Outs Above Average (-8 OAA). His brief stints at shortstop were similarly underwhelming, with -2 DRS in limited action.

Despite the numbers, the Orioles value Holliday’s athleticism and potential, and training him at third base provides an opportunity to expand the team’s infield flexibility. With third baseman Jordan Westburg sidelined due to a partial UCL tear sustained in spring training, Baltimore has been forced to rely on alternatives who have yet to match Holliday’s upside.

Current Infield Situation

Westburg’s absence has opened up significant playing time at both second and third base. Jeremiah Jackson, 26, stepped into the role at second base, producing a solid start with a .768 OPS through April, including a grand slam to close out the month. Although he has cooled off in May, going 3-for-23, Jackson has largely held his own as an everyday player, posting 4 DRS at second base.

Conversely, Coby Mayo, serving as Westburg’s replacement at third, has struggled offensively, hitting .163 with a 29.9% strikeout rate over 33 games. His wRC+ of 42 ranks among the lowest in the league for players with over 100 plate appearances. Defensively, Mayo has posted -3 DRS at third base, bringing his total to -7 DRS in 42 MLB games at the position. Other fill-ins, including Weston Wilson and Blaze Alexander, have similarly delivered underwhelming results, both at the plate and in the field.

Strategic Importance of Holliday at Third Base

Training Holliday at third offers multiple benefits for Baltimore. First, it provides lineup flexibility, allowing Jackson to remain at second base, where he has demonstrated competency. Second, it gives the Orioles the option to strengthen defense at a traditionally challenging position, particularly while Westburg recovers from injury.

Manager Craig Albernaz emphasized that Holliday’s willingness to play third base is not just about filling a gap. It’s a strategic move aimed at roster balance, improving both defensive coverage and offensive potential. By adding a versatile infielder who can play multiple positions, the Orioles can adapt to injuries, optimize matchups, and provide breathing room for their key players.

Looking Ahead

Holliday’s progression at third base will be closely monitored by the Orioles’ coaching staff. While his offensive track record has been more consistent than his defensive metrics, mastering a new infield position at the professional level presents a learning curve. If he adapts successfully, it could significantly impact the Orioles’ infield configuration, allowing the team to deploy players more effectively across second and third bases.

The ultimate goal is to maximize roster efficiency while preparing Holliday for a potential return to the majors. As Baltimore navigates injuries and inconsistent performances from current backups, having Holliday capable of contributing at multiple positions could be pivotal for both regular season depth and postseason ambitions.

Conclusion

For the 22-year-old Holliday, Sunday’s start at third base represents another step in his road back from injury. His successful adaptation would not only benefit his development but also provide the Baltimore Orioles with a valuable multi-positional option in the infield.

With Westburg sidelined and other backups struggling offensively, Holliday’s return and experimentation at third could be a key factor in stabilizing the Orioles’ lineup. While his defensive metrics have historically been a concern, Holliday’s combination of athleticism, versatility, and hitting potential makes him a promising candidate to reshape Baltimore’s infield dynamics.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Holliday to see if he can translate his skills across positions and contribute to a more balanced, resilient Orioles roster.