Jackson Holiday returned to Baltimore with a bang.
The 20-year-old Orioles rookie pitcher hit his first MLB home run on Wednesday, a 439-foot grand slam in the fifth inning of a 10-4 win over the Blue Jays, the day after being recalled from Triple-A.
“This is the best I can hit the ball,” Holiday said. He spoke to reporters about the Grand Slams.“That’s all I know.”
The 20-year-old made major league history by becoming the third-youngest player in the American League to hit a grand slam as his first home run. According to OptaSTATS.
The son of seven-time MLB All-Star Matt Holliday played briefly with the Orioles earlier this season, going 2-for-34 with 18 strikeouts and two walks in 10 games in April.
He was then demoted and returned to the farm where he made impressive progress.
“We’re definitely more prepared than last time.” “I think it’s a big deal,” Holliday told the Baltimore Banner on Wednesday.“After your debut and everything that comes with it, it’s definitely a little easier coming here the second time and you can relax and get used to the environment.”
Despite missing a few games in June because of elbow inflammation, the infielder continued to produce in Triple-A, batting .271 with a .908 OPS and eight home runs.
“Because this game sucks sometimes, I think you can always look at it as a good start to learning how to fail,” he added. “Being able to go out there and fail at a high level, I think that’s going to be very beneficial for me and my career in the long run.”
The Orioles acquired pitcher Trevor Rogers from the Marlins on Tuesday, sending second baseman Connor Norby to Miami in return.
Needing keystone insurance after infielder Jorge Mateo was placed on the 60-day disabled list with a dislocated elbow, the Orioles promoted Holiday, their 2022 first-round draft pick, to give him another chance in the majors.
With Norby in Miami and Mateo injured, Holiday is expected to play center field for the time being.
“That’s my goal this time around, to come here and help the team win and hopefully have a long run in the playoffs,” the young star said.
The Orioles and Holiday begin a four-game series against the Guardians on Thursday night.
The infielder said he plans to soak it all up while he’s at bat.
“I’m just going to enjoy it,” Holliday said. “I’m just going to enjoy being here and being there. I feel like last time it was all a blur.”
