“I’m definitely more prepared than last time” – Jackson Holliday shares optimism ahead of second MLB stint following Orioles promotion
The Baltimore Orioles have promoted top prospect Jackson Holliday for his second stint in the MLB season. After an underwhelming first run in the majors earlier this season, Holliday has earned another shot to prove himself.
During his first go with the big club this season, Holliday looked nothing like the top-tier prospect many had hoped to see thrive at the major league level. Through 10 games earlier this year, Holliday posted a disappointing 2-for-34 record at the plate.
"Obviously this is the best league in the world. I definitely got shown that," Holliday told reporters when asked of his struggles earlier this year. "I'm looking forward to tonight and getting back out there and playing and I feel like I’m definitely more prepared than last time."
Following his disappointing, albeit short, first stint in the majors, Holliday was sent back to Triple-A Norfolk in order to continue seeing at-bats and work on his game.
"On offense, working on cutting down the swing and miss, especially on fastballs," Holliday said about the areas of his game that he has been working on.
Jackson Holliday will be back in the lineup on Wednesday
Jackson Holliday won't have to wait long to prove whether or not his adjustments in the minors have helped him at the major league level. The 20-year-old will hit eighth in the lineup for the Baltimore Orioles as they take on their division rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays, on Wednesday.
Although the Blue Jays are currently out of the playoff race, they will still be a step up in competition from Triple-A. On defense, Holliday will play second base for the Orioles and hopes to establish himself as an everyday player.
Despite the Orioles having several top prospects looking for their shot in the MLB, the club traded away both Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers to the Miami Marlins for pitcher Trevor Rogers.
The two departing players will remove some of the competition for regular at-bats at the MLB level. If Jackson Holliday cannot perform, young players such as Coby Mayo could be knocking on the door behind him.