​BALTIMORE — The Orioles just can’t seem to catch a break after their best run of the season. Right after finishing a four-game surge that carried them into the All-Star break on a high note, manager Craig Albernaz disclosed that one of their standout players has sustained a broken hand. Blaze Alexander, who was struck by a pitch in the seventh inning of Baltimore’s 8-2 victory over Kansas City, suffered a nondisplaced fracture in his left hand. A nondisplaced fracture means the bone remains aligned, which could translate to a somewhat quicker recovery timeline.
“He’s Blaze, so it hurts,” Albernaz said following the game, “but he’s got a good attitude about it.” Alexander received an X-ray during the game, though Albernaz could not provide a precise timeline for his return. He is set to see a doctor during the All-Star break.
Albernaz described the injury as a “gut punch,” especially given how Alexander has been contributing on both sides of the ball and with his swing. “Absolutely, especially how Blaze has been playing on both sides of the ball, especially the way he’s swinging the bat,” he noted. Yet the first-year manager stressed the team’s resilience, adding that Alexander will focus on rehab and be evaluated as plans develop.
The hit came as Royals reliever Lucas Erceg quick-pitched Alexander, a source of frustration, which helped spark a benches-clearing moment. There were no punches thrown, and no ejections, but Alexander was immediately removed from the game, with Coby Mayo pinch-running at first base in his stead.
Alexander has been one of Baltimore’s most impactful players this season, a welcome surprise after president of baseball operations Mike Elias acquired him from the Diamondbacks in a February trade for a utility piece. Following Jordan Westburg’s season-ending elbow injury, Alexander stepped into a regular role for the first time in his big league career and has thrived in it.
The Orioles’ 8-2 win on Sunday left Alexander standing out at the plate, as he reached in all four of his appearances, boosting his season line to .312 with an .807 OPS. Since implementing several swing changes in early May, he has been among MLB’s best hitters, forcing his way into a near-everyday role in Baltimore.
“Blaze has been doing it this year,” said first baseman Pete Alonso. “I mean, offensively, defensively, the energy he brings every day isn’t just about performance but about the momentum he generates. So losing him isn’t just losing his skill set, it’s losing that daily impact. It’s really frustrating, but I’ve dealt with broken hands before, and I know it’s not an easy pill to swallow. I hope for a quick and speedy recovery.”
In the aftermath of the win, Orioles players spoke about the bittersweet feeling of the moment, acknowledging the difficult news about Alexander while reaffirming their faith in the team’s depth and resilience as they head into the break. The club will now navigate the All-Star hiatus while preparing for the next stretch of the season, hoping Alexander’s rehab progresses rapidly and that the Orioles can channel this setback into renewed focus and determination as they regroup.