Orioles' Star Infielder Heads Back to IL

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Orioles' Star Infielder Heads Back to IL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Sakuraba | Last updated Sep 16, 2026 8:49 PM ET

A frustrating season just got worse for Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday. After missing the first two months of the regular season with a broken hamate bone, Holliday was placed on the IL on Wednesday with left wrist inflammation.

The good news for the Orioles is that Holliday’s hamate bone was in his right hand, so it isn’t a lingering symptom of his original injury. Holliday was absent from the lineup for Tuesday’s extra-innings win over the New York Mets and was left out on Wednesday as well. The IL placement is retroactive to Sept. 15, which means Holliday could potentially return before the end of the season.

Orioles have placed INF Jackson Holliday on 10-day IL due to left wrist inflammation.

INF José Barrero had his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk.
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) September 16, 2026

Since making his season debut on May 18, Holliday has struggled at the plate. The former first overall draft pick is slashing .229/.300/.340, with seven home runs and 30 RBI in 315 at-bats. He’s played the majority of his time at second base, but has also filled in at both shortstop and third base in the field.

It isn’t clear what caused the inflammation, but manager Craig Albernaz did note that Holliday has been banged up recently. He last played on Sept. 14, when he went 2-for-4 with a run scored.

If Holliday only requires a minimum stint, he could be back in time for the opener of the Orioles’ final series of the year against the New York Yankees. As of now, the Orioles have not yet been eliminated from the MLB playoffs, but their chances are hanging by a thread. Baltimore remains three games back of the final AL Wild Card spot heading into Wednesday’s series finale against the Mets.

Jackson Holliday is “banged up” according to Craig Albernaz. Jose Barrero here on taxi squad. #Orioles
— Rich DubroffMLB (@RichDubroffMLB) September 16, 2026

Holliday has yet to live up to the hype of being the first overall draft pick in 2022. He is on a one-year rookie deal this year and is still under team control through 2030. After a frustrating season this year, Holliday will look to put his health issues behind him and rebound in 2027.

In a corresponding move, the Orioles recalled infielder Jose Barrero from Triple-A Norfolk.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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