SARASOTA, Fla. – Jackson Holliday joked this morning that the media could sign the cast on his right hand. But he issued a warning.

The cast is coming off later today, so better do it fast.

Holliday is in Orioles camp to rehab from surgery last week to remove a broken hamate bone. He can’t hit or throw, of course, but fielding ground balls – once he’s allowed to sweat out his stitches – and running are approved activities. Got to keep the legs in shape and reflexes sharp.

The injury occurred as Holliday was taking live batting practice in Sarasota, in only his fifth at-bat.

“Took a swing and knew something wasn’t exactly right and decided to say something,” he said. “I got the X-rays and just broke it. Obviously, you guys have seen it’s kind of a common thing. Just unfortunate timing.”

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Shin handled the procedure in Los Angeles, which included shaving some bone.

“Should be good to go here in a couple weeks,” Holliday said. “It was good. Nice little flight out to L.A. and got it done and glad to be back.”

The goal for Holliday is to miss only a few weeks of the regular season. Opening Day is March 26 against the Twins at Camden Yards.

“I’m hoping it doesn’t linger too long,” he said. “I think it’s just kind of going off how I feel. Obviously, don’t want to rush anything at the beginning of the season and kind of press on something that it doesn’t need to be pressed on. But I’ve got nothing to do but try to get better as fast as I can and just looking forward to that process.

“Talked to some guys that have had the same surgery and they said they’ve been back and hitting lives in three weeks, so that’s kind of my goal. I don’t know what their goal is, but my goal is to be back as fast as possible and just ready to get this thing off and get rolling.”

Orioles minor league first baseman/outfielder TT Bowens had the same surgery a couple of years ago and he talked to Holliday about it during a Facetime call with Heston Kjerstad.

“That’s kind of been the extent,” Holliday said. “Nothing too much, but I think it’s pretty straightforward. Talking to the training staff and the strength staff. It’s kind of the best surgery you can possibly have because it’s so quick and easy.”

The Orioles expected Holliday to start at second base on Opening Day after he appeared in 149 games last season. His swing felt good, until taking the one that broke his hamate bone.

“Was pretty excited about the stuff that I worked on, the experience I had this offseason getting to learn from some guys,” Holliday said. “Excited to watch these guys and kind of take mental reps, I guess. I don’t know. Just watching live at-bats and watching these guys swing, because that’s something I enjoy.

“I had a good offseason besides this. A lot of fun. Got to train with my brother (Ethan), traveling around. So it was good.”

Holliday is eager to jump into a new lineup with first baseman Pete Alonso and left fielder Taylor Ward, along with anticipated full seasons from Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers.

“It’s a pretty good lineup,” Holliday said with a laugh. “It’s fun to be in this locker room with these guys. Some of our additions are pretty good players, so it’s very exciting.”

Control owner David Rubenstein walked through the Orioles clubhouse this morning, a reminder of the financial commitments made to push the team out of last place and into a deep playoff run.

“It’s awesome to see,” Holliday said. “Obviously, some teams are doing that at pretty high rates and it seems to work, so for us to go out and get some guys, it’s really cool to just understand the team that we have. The potential that we have is really exciting.”

Holliday was at home in Oklahoma when news broke in December about Alonso’s agreement on a five-year, $155 million contract.

“I had kind of like thought about that and heard the rumors,” he said. “When it happened, I was excited. The guy with that kind of career already and the bat that he brings to the lineup and the experience of having a lot of really good big league success is really awesome and definitely exciting to be a part of and be on his team and not have to be on the field watching him do his thing. Glad he’s on our team.”

By sheer coincidence, utility player Blaze Alexander was acquired in a trade with the Diamondbacks one day before Holliday’s injury. He could get starts at second base or go to third while Jordan Westburg moves across the diamond.

The trade came “definitely by surprise,” said Alexander, who cost the Orioles reliever Kade Strowd and minor leaguers Wellington Aracena and José Mejia. “Pretty close to spring training time. I was actually just getting ready to go to the facility in Arizona, got the phone call. But stuff happens, man. It’s a business, and I couldn’t be more excited to come here, represent Baltimore and be an Oriole.

“I’ve heard really good things from the ballclub. Just first couple days here guys have been really nice, really good people, and that’s all I’ve been hearing.”

The circumstances behind Alexander’s increased importance to the club are unfortunate, with Holliday headed to the injured list.

“Jackson was actually probably one of the first guys to follow me on Instagram and stuff when the trade happened,” he said. “Honestly, I can’t wait for that dude to be healthy, work with him, learn with him. He’s a great athlete. He’s who he is for a reason and I can’t wait to be his teammate.”

It meant a lot to Alexander that another team wanted him. He didn’t view the trade as the Diamondbacks dumping him.

“Sometimes in the offseason you kind of wonder if your name’s being thrown out there and stuff,” he said. “To be traded for three guys, it means they value you and they wanted me and needed me. I’m here, I’m a Baltimore Oriole. Arizona’s in the past and I’m here to get to the playoffs and help win a World Series championship, which I think we’re fully capable of doing.

“Just seeing the guys in this locker room, it’s like a football team. Everyone’s huge. It’s good stuff.”

What type of player are the Orioles getting?

Alexander can recite the scouting report.

“I think super athlete, a guy who’s versatile, can play everywhere. Go out there and just make it happen,” he said.

“I’m a gamer. Yeah, right there. I’m a gamer.”

Alexander is most comfortable in the infield but showed last year that he also can play on the grass.

“Just trusting myself, be an athlete wherever I’m at,” he said. “I definitely think I’ve grown as a big leaguer, being able to go out there and slow the game down, control the game in the outfield, and just really be me. Anything the team needs, that’s why I’m here.”

Alexander counted four ballparks that he’s never been to and three are in his new division – Rogers Centre, Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park.

“I’m gonna hopefully knock those off the list,” he said.