Holliday set to begin new rehab assignment, Adley making progress toward return

CLEVELAND -- Jackson Holliday's new rehab assignment is about to begin.

The Orioles’ second baseman is scheduled to play rehab games for High-A Frederick on Saturday and Sunday, the club announced on Friday. It’ll be the first game action for Holliday since he was pulled off his previous rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk on Monday due to right wrist soreness.

It’s not uncommon for baseball players to experience wrist soreness when coming off hamate surgery, which Holliday underwent on Feb. 12. The 22-year-old played 11 rehab games for Norfolk from March 27-Sunday after opening the season on the 10-day injured list, going 7-for-42 (.167) with two doubles and three RBIs.

Because Holliday has a new injury designation, he can go on another rehab assignment after a five-day break. Earlier this week, he was re-evaluated by the O’s medical staff at Camden Yards and spent some time around the team.

Holliday’s new rehab assignment can also last up to 20 days. It is not yet known whether he could use the entire time or return earlier, though he’ll likely move back up to Triple-A at some point during that span.

On Thursday, Holliday’s dad -- former All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday -- said during a podcast appearance that Jackson’s soreness is on the opposite side of the hand/wrist from where the hamate was, so it could stem from him overcompensating on swings during the rehab.

“That’s something where what separates these guys at the highest level in the big leagues is that they’re elite compensators, and they can manage and still produce and perform at a high level with injuries,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “That’s something with Jackson as well, where you have a hamate, you’re trying to overcompensate on the other side, I guess, and that’s kind of where we’re at.

“That’s why we pulled him off, got him re-evaluated by our doctors and trainers and have a plan in place.”

Rutschman continuing to progress

Catcher Adley Rutschman (left ankle inflammation) is with the O’s during this weekend’s series in Cleveland and continues to progress well. On Friday, the 28-year-old did change-of-direction running, hit on the field and caught left-hander Trevor Rogers’ bullpen session.

Rutschman is eligible to come off the 10-day IL on Tuesday, but it’s possible he’ll need Minor League rehab games before returning. However, it’s not expected to be a long-term issue, and Rutschman is encouraged with where he’s at.

“A lot better,” Rutschman said of the status of his ankle. “I think everyone’s happy with the response time of how everything’s reacted to the treatment and whatnot.”

O’Neill update

Although outfielder Tyler O’Neill (concussion) is eligible to be reinstated from the 7-day IL, Albernaz said the 30-year-old is unlikely to play this weekend in Cleveland, where he was jogging around the outfield during batting practice on Friday.

“Still has some boxes to check and go from there,” Albernaz said. “Obviously, with a concussion, it’s very touch and go. And so, each day we’re just taking inventory in how he’s feeling and then we’re setting a plan as he starts feeling back to himself. He’s feeling a lot better.”