Blaze

Alexander

Alexander has had a scorching June and came up big for the Orioles on Friday. In addition to throwing out James Wood at home in the fourth inning to keep the Nationals off the board, Alexander also drove in two of the Orioles’ three runs on the night when he singled home Tyler O’Neill and Jackson Holliday in the bottom of the fourth to give the O’s an early 2-0 lead. He’s currently slashing .385/.441/.615 in June with two homers and 11 RBI.

Alexander was forced to leave Monday’s game, leading to Leody Taveras playing third base for the first time as a pro. He is batting ninth against the Angels.

Alexander takes a seat following an early exit from Monday’s series opener with right knee muscle contusion. It’ll be Coby Mayo at the hot corner in his place. The versatile 27-year-old is day-to-day heading into Wednesday’s series finale.

Alexander was 0-for-1 prior to leaving the contest in Los Angeles. His departure forced outfielder Leody Taveras into action at the hot corner since the Orioles were already playing without Jackson Holliday (groin) for the second straight contest. The versatile 27-year-old is likely headed for imaging to determine the severity of the issue. There should be an update on his status leading into Tuesday’s contest.

Alexander has been swinging a hot bat for much of the season and has recently taken over the starting third base job from Coby Mayo. The 27-year-old has gone 21-for-48 (.438) with two home runs, nine RBI, and two steals in his last 15 games. He should be added in most formats while he’s swinging the bat like this.

Alexander was a .237 hitter in 451 plate appearances over two seasons in Arizona, but he’s at .310 right now, and his improved exit velocity numbers largely back it up. He’s also 8-for-11 stealing bases after going 7-for-14 the last two years. He’s probably still not worth picking up in 10- and 12-team mixed leagues, but those in deeper formats could consider him while he’s playing regularly.

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.