Locked On Orioles - Daily Podcast On The Baltimore Orioles Baltimore Orioles 2026 Position Previews: Infield
Mar 17, 2026
Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun reporter who covers the Orioles with beat reporting and roster analysis. They break down infield injury timelines for Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg. They debate Coby Mayo’s viability at third base and late-game defensive plans. They weigh utility infield candidates, roster option issues, and the thin infield prospect pipeline.
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Holliday Progression Will Be Deliberate
- Jackson Holliday's hitting progression is cautious and stepwise after a fractured hand: tee work, flips, foam balls, cage BP, field BP, then live pitching and rehab assignment.
- Jacob Calvin Meyer says the Orioles won't rush him because he's young and not an indispensable veteran, so they prefer caution over a quick return.
Westberg PRP Timeline Is Cautious Optimism
- Jordan Westberg is avoiding elbow stress while rehabbing a UCL issue and is expected to start hitting before throwing as part of a cautious PRP timeline.
- Meyer notes position players often recover from PRP in 2–3 months, so mid‑May to early June return is realistic but not guaranteed.
Mayo Starts Third But Could Be Defensive‑Subbed
- Kobe Mayo earned an Opening Day third base opportunity while Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westberg are sidelined, but may be defensive‑subbed late in games.
- Blaise Alexander can slide to third for defense late, giving the O's a late‑game defensive upgrade.