ST. PETERSBURG -- Jackson Holliday returned to the Orioles just in time for their series against the team with the best record in the American League.
On Monday, the O's activated Holliday from the 10-day injured list ahead of the club's opener against the Rays at Tropicana Field, although he did not play in the game. Catcher Maverick Handley was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move.
Holliday, who has been on the mend since undergoing right hamate surgery on Feb. 12, joined the club in St. Petersburg on Monday. He fielded ground balls and took batting practice before being officially reinstated mere minutes prior to first pitch. Manager Craig Albernaz said that after seeing how Holliday was moving around on the field, the decision was made to put him back on the active roster.
"We had a good conversation when he got here today, just seeing where he was at mentally," Albernaz said of Holliday following the team's 16-6 loss to the Rays. "Once everyone saw him and got a good gauge of where he was at, we decided to make the move."
Holliday was pulled early from Sunday's Triple-A Norfolk game as part of his scheduled return-to-play progression. The 22-year-old infielder played 22 rehab games over three different assignments and batted .176 with a .575 OPS. However, Holliday's bat has been heating up of late. He clubbed a home run during Saturday's game at Charlotte, then hit a triple on Sunday prior to his early removal from the contest.
He began the season on the injured list and quickly got into rehab action, playing his first game for Triple-A Norfolk on March 27. However, he was later pulled off the assignment due to right wrist soreness. He again had his rehab paused on April 21, when he exited a Triple-A game with right hand discomfort.
At that point, Holliday underwent an MRI, a CT scan and X-rays, all of which came back clean. He took time off to get some inflammation treated, then returned to game action on May 7.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft and the former top prospect in baseball, Holliday will look to build upon his encouraging '25 sophomore campaign once he is activated. Last year, he hit .242 with 21 doubles, three triples, 17 home runs, 55 RBIs and a .690 OPS in 149 games.
The Orioles have already had 19 players spend time on the IL this season, including 13 currently sidelined. The return of Holliday boosts their infield mix, which is much needed following the recent news that Jordan Westburg will miss the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Holliday primarily played second base during his rehab assignments, and got a few games in at third base. The O's could use more production at either spot; all of their players at those two positions have combined for a .222 average and a .610 OPS over 353 plate appearances this season.