Blaze Alexander's breakout 2026 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles has come to an unfortunate halt.
The 27-year-old utility man left Sunday's 8-2 win over the Kansas City Royals with a non-displaced fracture in his left hand. The injury occurred when Alexander was hit by a 95.5 mph fastball from Royals reliever Lucas Erceg in the seventh inning. He was replaced by Coby Mayo.
While it remains unclear how much time Alexander will miss, manager Craig Albernaz revealed after the game that Alexander will meet with a doctor during the All-Star break, with more information expected afterward.
Alexander's exit marred another productive day at the plate, as he scored two runs and went 2-for-2 with a walk in three plate appearances before being hit by the pitch.
Losing Alexander is a massive blow for Baltimore, which enters the All-Star break on a season-best four-game winning streak. The loss hurts even more for Alexander on a personal level, given his breakout season.
Across 82 games, Alexander is slashing .312/.368/.439 with four home runs and 29 RBIs. Initially acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Feb. 5 as a versatile depth piece, Alexander quickly saw his role grow much larger.
Injuries to both Jackson Holliday (right hamate fracture) and Jordan Westburg (Tommy John surgery in right elbow) created an opportunity for Alexander to receive consistent playing time.
Although he struggled to a .174 batting average through May 2, Alexander has since emerged as one of baseball's best hitters. Over his last 55 games, he is slashing .375/.425/.546. His .375 batting average ranks first in MLB during that span among hitters with at least 120 plate appearances.
He has more than made the most of that opportunity, earning an everyday role in the Orioles' lineup. Alexander became one of the main bright spots during an otherwise disappointing first half for Baltimore.
Alexander has been more than just a stopgap: he has been an X-Factor. His absence will increase the pressure on several Orioles hitters to replace his production.
Mayo appears to be the primary option at third base moving forward, while Holliday and Jeremiah Jackson will likely continue handling duties at second base.
Mayo has struggled again for the Orioles in 2026 and has yet to establish himself as an everyday player. Across 74 games this season, he is slashing .193/.264/.395 with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs.
Strikeouts have once again been a glaring issue for the 24-year-old. He has struck out 80 times while drawing just 19 walks. His 32.5 percent strikeout rate ranks in the third percentile in MLB.
If Alexander's injury proves severe enough to sideline him for the remainder of 2026, the Orioles could enter the trade market for a third baseman ahead of the deadline.
For now, however, Baltimore will have to move forward without one of its most valuable contributors from the first half.
