ANAHEIM— Jackson Holliday is not in the Orioles’ lineup for the fourth straight game due to groin tightness. He worked out at second base before Wednesday’s game with the Los Angeles Angels.
“He’s in a good spot,” manager Craig Albernaz said.
Albernaz was noncommittal about whether Holliday would be available during the game.
“Balancing where Jackson’s at, he’s trending in the right direction and with the off day coming tomorrow, being able to make sure he’s fully healthy…Yesterday was a great test. Today’s a good test. Just like anything, it’ll be day-to-day, see how he feels.”
Albernaz wants to be cautious with Holliday.
“If that tightness ends up popping, it’s pretty detrimental to your season. It’s really being cognizant of how it’s feeling and responding. That’s why we’ve been pretty delicate and also taking it day-by-day with him.”
Checking on Rutschman
Albernaz declined to speculate on whether Adley Rutschman would be ready to play on Friday, when he’s eligible to be removed from the concussion injury list.
“Especially with concussions and head injuries, it’s going to be day-to-day,” Albernaz said. “Rutsch rode the bike yesterday. He had a great day. He went through a bit of a workout today, so it’s going to be very delicate, especially with a head injury.”
Rutschman will be able to fly home with the Orioles after the game.
Taveras hitting third
Without Rutschman in the lineup, Leody Taveras is batting third. It’s just the second time in his major league career he’s hit third, and the first since August 2nd, 2022.
“Leody has been outstanding all year,” Albernaz said. “The at-bat quality has been outstanding all year, especially from the left side of the plate, really making pitchers work, seeing pitches, taking his walks. His ability to bunt is a great weapon.”
With José Soriano starting for the Angels, Albernaz wants the switch-hitting Taveras hitting left-handed against him. Normally, Rutschman would be hitting third.
“To help take the pressure off the top of the lineup,” Albernaz said.
Orioles-Angels lineups
Orioles
Taylor Ward-LF
Gunnar Henderson-SS
Leody Taveras-RF
Pete Alonso-1B
Samuel Basallo-C
Colton Cowser-CF
Coby Mayo-DH
Leody Taveras-RF
Jeremiah Jackson-2B
Blaze Alexander-3B
Trey Gibson-RHP
Angels
Nolan Schanuel-1B
Denzer Guzman-3B
Wade Meckler-RF
Jorge Soler-DH
Christian Moore-LF
Donovan Walton-2B
Oswald Peraza-SS
Josh Lowe-CF
Tyler Heineman-C
José Soriano-RHP
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