Overview
- Alexander was struck on the left hand by a 95-mph pitch from Royals reliever Lucas Erceg in the seventh inning on July 12, and in-game imaging revealed a fracture that removed him from Sunday’s win.
- Orioles manager Craig Albernaz described the injury as a 'gut punch' and confirmed Alexander will see a doctor over the All‑Star break before the team sets a timetable for his return.
- Benches briefly cleared after the HBP as Alexander and Royals players exchanged words, but Erceg and Kansas City teammates have said the pitch was not intentional.
- Baltimore plans short-term lineup shifts that could increase Coby Mayo’s reps at third base and continue Jeremiah Jackson and Jackson Holliday rotations while evaluating Triple‑A options such as Christian Encarnacion‑Strand, José Barrero or Luis Vázquez.
- Alexander has been a breakout contributor this season, hitting roughly .312 with a .807 OPS and starting at multiple infield and outfield positions, a loss that complicates the Orioles’ approach to the Aug. 3 trade deadline.