How is Jackson Holliday doing for the Orioles? | MAILBAG

Question: What is Jackson Holliday’s status with the Orioles right now?  People (including you) talk about Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg and Adley Rutschman but don’t often mention Holliday. He’s in a slump right now, but during several periods this year he has been the brightest spot on the infield and a productive guy in a truly sorry lineup. To me, he probably is the guy most likely to be affected by the dismal play of this team. He’s just a kid (21) and already he sometimes looks overwhelmed by the disappointing team he has joined. From: John Ingle

Answer: John, I also received  questions about Jackson Holliday from John Leach and Hal Solomon. I think the issue with Holliday is that he’s just 21 and hasn’t played a full major league season. The intensity of the long season can wear on players, and that’s what’s happened with Jackson. He’s done very well, and his second base play has improved greatly. He’ll be just fine, but I know one extremely knowledgeable baseball observer who just suggested he could use some extra time with his father, Matt Holliday.

Question: With the MLB average salary easily above five million dollars per year, do players still receive “meal money” when on the road? Do teams still assign roommates to younger players when traveling (e.g., Robin Roberts and Jim Palmer; George Kell and Brooks Robinson)? From: Jim Chrismer, Bel Air, Maryland

Answer: Jim, players receive a per diem of $117.50 a day when they’re on the road. If the club provides a meal for them, the per diem drops to $34.50.

Teams have provided single rooms on the road for several decades. That’s collectively bargained and roommate stories are long gone.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.