Blaze

Alexander

Alexander made things interesting by socking a run-scoring single into left field off Mariners reliever Eduard Bazardo in the eighth inning. The 26-year-old utility specialist has put together an encouraging Orioles debut, hitting .286/.340/.400 with two homers, 18 RBI and seven steals through 56 games.

Mayo remains on the bench as he continues to deal with lower back discomfort that caused him to be scratched from Sunday’s doubleheader against the Tigers. The timing is unfortunate for the former top prospect as he was just starting to look comfortable at the dish. There’s a chance he requires a trip to the injured list if he’s unable to play later this week. It’ll be utility infielder Blaze Alexander handling the hot corner on Tuesday night in his place.

Alexander came into the day at .221/.280//267 in 96 plate appearances, so he’s been losing playing time. This rates as his best game as an Oriole, but it wasn’t particularly encouraging; his three hits were all soft singles and one was a bunt. Last year, he had seven homers and 20 extra-base hits in 266 plate appearances for Arizona. Right now, he’s at zero and three for the Orioles.

Alexander told reporters his calf is feeling much better after undergoing treatment and he expects to be available off the bench this weekend. The versatile 26-year-old was scratched from Friday’s lineup with calf tightness. It’ll be Jeremiah Jackson at second base with Coby Mayo at the hot corner on Saturday evening in his place.

Weston Wilson will replace him in the Orioles’ lineup and will bat ninth against Jacob Lopez and the Athletics on Friday night. Alexander is considered day-to-day.

If you’re going to have to take a day off at some point, doing so against Max Fried isn’t the worst idea. Henderson has struggled at the plate so far this season, slashing just .209/.275/.460 to go along with nine homers, 19 RBI and five stolen bases across his first 153 plate appearances. Blaze Alexander will start in his place at shortstop and bat ninth for the O’s on Sunday.

It looks to be nothing more than a routine night off for Jackson after the 26-year-old infielder after he played in both halves of Thursday’s doubleheader and clubbed a grand slam against the Astros. Blaze Alexander will start in his place at second base and bat ninth for the O’s against Will Warren and the Yankees.

Mayo is just 6-for-38 on the season with one extra base hit and a 13/6 K/BB ratio. With Ryan Mountcastle (foot) now potentially out for over a month, Mayo should continue to get an opportunity to play regularly in Baltimore, but he’ll need to start producing soon before Jackson Holliday (hamate) returns to the lineup. For now, Blaze Alexander will start at third base and bat ninth.

Rutschman will get a breather with Samuel Basallo catching Trevor Rogers. Gunnar Henderson will be the designated hitter, so Blaze Alexander gets the start at shortstop.

It’s the second time in three games that Mayo has sat, both against right-handed starters. Mayo is off to a .118/.250/.176 start in 20 plate appearances. Jeremiah Jackson is handling second base while Blaze Alexander shifts over to the hot corner.