The Baltimore Orioles' 2026 season is off to a rocky start with a string of injuries plaguing their roster. But here's where it gets controversial—is it just bad luck, or is there a deeper issue at play?
Jackson Holliday's injury takes center stage: The Orioles' second baseman, a former No. 1 pick and top prospect, will begin the season on the injured list after fracturing his hamate bone during batting practice. This injury couldn't have come at a worse time, as Holliday was set to start at second base, following an impressive age-21 season with a .242/.314/.375 batting line and 17 homers and steals each. And this is the part most fans missed—the injury occurred after the trade for Blaze Alexander, dispelling rumors that the trade was a direct response to Holliday's injury.
Hamate fractures are a common yet significant injury in baseball, often sidelining players for 4 to 8 weeks. Notable stars like Francisco Lindor and Corbin Carroll are currently dealing with similar injuries, highlighting the impact this can have on a team's lineup. The surgery and recovery process can be tricky, as hand injuries may affect a player's power output even after returning to the field.
Other key injuries: Infielder Jordan Westburg, expected to miss only a few Grapefruit League games due to an oblique injury, and right-hander Colin Selby, dealing with shoulder inflammation, are also starting the season on the injured list. Selby's injury opens up a spot in the bullpen competition, potentially benefiting lefty Grant Wolfram, righty Yaramil Hiraldo, or out-of-options Rico Garcia. Meanwhile, right-hander Chayce McDermott will transition to a reliever role, and Tyler Wells will build up as a starter, despite no clear rotation opening.
The Orioles' injury woes raise questions about their training and preparation. Was this string of injuries just an unfortunate coincidence, or is there a systemic issue that needs addressing? As the team navigates these challenges, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see how these injuries impact the team's performance and strategy.
