Baltimore Sports Roundtable

                       

                             Baltimore Sports Roundtable                     

Jackson Holliday will miss the start of the 2026 MLB season

Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday will miss the start of the 2026 MLB season after suffering a fractured hamate bone in his right hand during spring training. The injury occurred during live batting practice on February 6 2026, and he underwent surgery shortly after the diagnosis. As a result, Holliday will open the season on the injured list and miss Opening Day on March 26, with his return timeline expected to stretch several weeks into the regular season.

The hamate bone is located in the wrist and is particularly vulnerable for hitters because of the stress placed on it during the swing. Hamate (hand) fractures are relatively common in baseball and typically require a minor surgical procedure to remove the fractured hook of the bone. Recovery time can vary, but players often return within four to eight weeks, depending on healing and conditioning. While most players regain full strength, some experience a temporary dip in power upon returning to game action.

This injury comes at a key moment for Holliday, who was looking to build on a strong 2025 campaign. Last season, he appeared in 149 games, hitting 17 home runs with 17 stolen bases while continuing to develop as a core piece of Baltimore’s lineup. His ability to get on base and provide defensive stability in the infield has made him an important part of the Orioles’ long-term plans.

With Holliday sidelined, Baltimore will rely on internal infield depth to cover second base early in the season. The organization remains confident that once fully recovered, Holliday will return to form and continue progressing as one of the franchise’s foundational players.

In the short term, the Orioles may adjust their lineup construction to compensate for his absence. That could mean shifting defensive alignments, giving younger players an opportunity to prove themselves, or leaning more heavily on veteran leadership in the clubhouse. Spring training competitions will now carry added weight as roster battles intensify for infield spots.

For Holliday, the focus will be on rehabilitation, rebuilding wrist strength, and regaining timing at the plate. Because the injury affects a hitter’s bottom hand, maintaining bat speed and power will be key checkpoints in his recovery process. If all goes according to plan, Baltimore expects him back early in the season and ready to resume his role as a catalyst near the top of the lineup.

                                                      Maryland Basketball

The Maryland Terrapins outlasted the Iowa Hawkeyes in a hard-fought matchup that ultimately came down to efficiency, rebounding, and control of the basketball. While both teams finished with 25 made field goals, Maryland’s superior shooting percentage and dominance on the glass proved to be the difference.

Iowa shot 25-for-59 from the field (42%) and struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 7-of-28 (25%). Maryland, on the other hand, was far more efficient, finishing 25-of-47 overall (53%) and 8-of-23 (35%) from three-point range. That 11-shot difference in attempts highlights one of the key factors in the game — Maryland’s ability to limit empty possessions while capitalizing on high-quality looks.

Bennett Stirtz was the standout performer for Iowa, playing all 40 minutes and pouring in 32 points on an impressive 13-of-21 shooting, including 4-of-10 from deep. He added six assists and four rebounds, carrying much of the offensive burden. Tavion Banks provided support with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Cam Manyawu chipped in eight points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting in just 22 minutes. However, outside of Stirtz, consistent scoring was difficult to find. Cooper Koch went just 1-of-6 from the field, and the Hawkeyes’ bench combined for only 10 total points.

Maryland was led by Andre Mills, who delivered a dominant 24-point performance on 9-of-14 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three. He also added five rebounds and did not commit a turnover in 40 minutes, a crucial stat in a game where ball security mattered. David Coit gave the Terrapins a major lift off the bench, scoring 19 points in 30 minutes while knocking down two three-pointers and going 7-of-9 from the free-throw line. His five assists added another layer to Maryland’s balanced attack.

Rebounding was another decisive edge for Maryland. The Terrapins outrebounded Iowa 34-25, including 10 offensive boards that generated second-chance opportunities. Solomon Washington and Elijah Saunders each grabbed eight rebounds, helping Maryland control the paint. Iowa managed 11 offensive rebounds but struggled to convert them into consistent scoring runs.

Turnovers also played a significant role. Iowa committed just four turnovers as a team, an impressively low number, but Maryland’s defensive pressure forced tough shots rather than mistakes. Conversely, Maryland turned the ball over 14 times, yet Iowa failed to fully capitalize on those extra opportunities due to inconsistent perimeter shooting.

Free throws further separated the two sides. Maryland went 19-of-28 (68%) from the line, while Iowa shot a stronger 13-of-17 (76%) but attempted 11 fewer free throws. The Terrapins’ aggressiveness attacking the rim created additional scoring chances that ultimately swung the game.

In the end, despite Stirtz’s explosive 32-point effort, Maryland’s efficiency, rebounding advantage, and balanced scoring attack secured the win. The Terrapins’ ability to get contributions from both starters and bench proved too much for an Iowa squad that leaned heavily on one primary scorer.

                                                  Co-Cap and 2026 NFL draft

The Baltimore Ravens are keeping leadership in-house, promoting former longtime safety Anthony Levine Sr. to Special Teams Coordinator. The move represents more than just a staff change — it’s another example of the Ravens’ culture of developing players into coaches and rewarding those who embody the organization’s identity.

Levine, affectionately known as “Co-Cap,” spent 10 seasons in Baltimore (2012–2021) after entering the league as an undrafted free agent. He carved out a role through toughness, versatility, and elite special teams play. Whether lining up at safety, dime linebacker, or covering kicks, Levine became a core contributor and locker room leader. His football IQ and professionalism made him a natural fit to transition into coaching after his playing career ended.

His promotion signals strong trust from Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, the former Los Angeles Chargers and Michigan defensive coordinator. Minter, known for his defensive expertise and attention to detail, clearly values Levine’s experience, leadership, and deep understanding of Baltimore’s culture. Entrusting the special teams unit to a former player who built his career in that exact phase of the game reflects Minter’s commitment to toughness, accountability, and continuity within the organization.

Levine’s journey from undrafted free agent to team captain to coordinator mirrors the Ravens’ developmental philosophy. Baltimore has long prioritized leadership, accountability, and internal growth. Having someone who understands the grind of making the roster through special teams could elevate the competition level in training camp and reinforce fundamentals in coverage and return units.

While the coaching staff evolves, attention also turns to the 14th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Ravens are in a position to add a dynamic, impact player who can contribute immediately while fitting their long-term vision.

One intriguing option is edge rusher Cashius Howell. Adding depth and explosiveness to the pass rush would align with Baltimore’s defensive DNA. Pairing a young, high-upside edge player with the Ravens’ aggressive scheme could keep the defense among the league’s elite.

Another name to watch is Vega Olane, a versatile defensive prospect who could bring flexibility to the front seven. Baltimore values players who can move around the formation, disguise pressures, and create matchup problems. Olane’s versatility would fit seamlessly into Mike Macdonald’s evolving defensive concepts.

Safety Caleb Downs would also be a compelling choice if available. Known for his instincts and range, Downs could add another playmaker to the secondary. With the AFC loaded with high-powered passing attacks, investing in the defensive backfield makes strategic sense. A player like Downs could impact the game immediately while strengthening the defense for years to come.

On the offensive side, Kayden Proctor stands out as a potential cornerstone tackle. Protecting Lamar Jackson remains a top priority, and reinforcing the offensive line could ensure long-term stability. Proctor’s size and physical tools would give Baltimore a developmental piece with Pro Bowl potential.

Ultimately, the Ravens’ decision at No. 14 will reflect their commitment to sustained contention. With Anthony Levine Sr. now leading special teams and a strong draft position ahead, Baltimore continues building through culture, development, and smart roster construction — the formula that has defined the franchise for decades.