As the Baltimore Orioles return to motion from the MLB All-Star break, they are going to achieve this with out Blaze Alexander for the foreseeable future.
Alexander, 27, was positioned on the 10-day injured record on Monday, retroactive to July thirteenth. The infielder was hit on the left hand by a 95.5 mph fastball from Kansas City Royals reliever Lucas Erceg, inciting the benches to clear within the backside of the seventh inning of Baltimore’s 8-2 victory.
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The transfer to the IL was anticipated given the analysis that was supplied through the All-Star break, though the Orioles have but to supply a timeline for Alexander’s harm. Alexander has been an under-the-radar acquisition by the Orioles through the offseason. He’s jumped proper into an on a regular basis function with the group, given the accidents to Jackson Holliday (damaged hamate bone) and Jordan Westburg (torn UCL in proper elbow).
In 82 video games, Alexander is slashing .312/.368/.439 with 4 house runs, 29 RBI and 9 stolen bases. Before he was faraway from Sunday’s recreation, Alexander was 2-for-2 with a stroll and two runs scored. He was changed by Coby Mayo, who took over at third base for the rest of the sport.
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In a corresponding transfer, the Orioles recalled former prime prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand from Triple-A Norfolk. Encarnacion-Strand was initially drafted by the Seattle Mariners within the thirty fourth spherical of the 2019 MLB Draft however didn’t signal; he re-entered the draft in 2021 and was chosen within the 4th spherical by the Minnesota Twins.
CES has performed all of his MLB video games with the Cincinnati Reds, suiting up in 128 video games between 2023 and 2025. During his time with the Reds, CES blasted 21 house runs with 72 RBI and a .679 OPS. Encarnacion-Strand has been in a position to hit for energy each time he has performed, however poor plate self-discipline and below-average fielding have prevented him from carving out a full-time main league profession.
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The Orioles traded for Encarnacion-Strand again in April after the Reds designated him for project. In 61 video games with Norfolk, CES has 17 house runs, 48 RBI and an .863 OPS whereas enjoying 45 video games defensively at third base.
Mayo will doubtless choose up a lot of the enjoying time in Alexander’s absence, however do not be stunned if the Orioles give CES a shot. He has the prospect pedigree to be a pleasant reclamation challenge for the Orioles, and has greater than sufficient right-handed energy to be an influence bat at Camden Yards.
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This story was initially printed by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2026, the place it first appeared within the MLB part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.