ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Orioles are possibly receiving reinforcements ahead of their three-game series against the American League’s hottest team.

Infielder Jackson Holliday is with the team, sources said. A reinstatement off the injured list is possible, although those sources couldn’t say for sure when Holliday would return. Holliday has been recovering from a February surgery for a broken hamate bone in his right hand, and the 22-year-old has experienced a few setbacks in that process.

Holliday’s possible return would be a boost for a team that just lost infielder Jordan Westburg for the rest of the season due to Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery. During Holliday’s latest rehab assignment in the minors, he played some third base.

Earlier this month, manager Craig Albernaz said Holliday playing third was meant to increase his positional versatility. Holliday has primarily played second base in the majors. He was a shortstop out of the draft when Baltimore selected him first overall in 2022.

Advertise with us

Holliday was removed early from Triple-A Norfolk’s game on Sunday. In five games for the Tides in his latest rehab stint, Holliday had four hits, including a triple and a home run.

Last year, Holliday hit .242 with a .689 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. He tied with Gunnar Henderson and Westburg for the team lead in homers, with 17.

Holliday broke his hamate bone during a batting practice session right before spring training. As he worked his way back, continued pain and discomfort in the hand and wrist prevented him from making a return.

In April, for instance, a swing during a game for Norfolk made him feel as though he had broken his hand again. Subsequent imaging showed all was fine.