Pete Alonso is back in the designated hitter spot Wednesday for the Orioles, with the calf issue that surfaced about 10 days ago still steering the way Baltimore handles him.
That means Alonso is not at first base, a move that fits with the team’s effort to keep him off his feet whenever possible. He has been managing what appears to be a muscle strain since running down the first-base line in Tampa, and the issue has continued to linger even as he keeps producing at a huge clip.
Alonso left Tuesday’s game midway through, and the MASN broadcast noted he had been talking with trainers and pointing to his calf. In that broadcast, it was also mentioned that Alonso asked to come out. After the game, Orioles skipper Craig Albernaz referred to the calf and described the exit as a “precaution” before bristling when asked whether it was the same calf that had been bothering Alonso in Tampa.
Despite the discomfort, Alonso kept rolling Tuesday, going 4-for-4 before departing. He now has 18 RBIs in his last 16 games and is batting .484/.536/.919 over that stretch, good for a 1.456 OPS. He has been hammering both lefties and righties, whether they’re starting or coming out of the bullpen.
Samuel Basallo is back at first base, which also helps explain why Baltimore is carrying three catchers. Basallo has dealt with his own lingering shoulder issue, but he has always looked comfortable at first, including during his minor league days. He did have a rough night at the plate Tuesday against left-handed pitching.
Alonso returns to the two-hole in the order, with Jackson Holliday leading off again. Holliday, who grew up in St. Louis while his father was pitching for the Cardinals, has had some trouble in that spot overall, but he reached base in each of his first four plate appearances Tuesday.
Gunnar Henderson remains in the No. 3 spot despite a rough stretch. He has been below .200 over his last 30 games and has posted an OPS under .700 since the 2025 All-Star break, including what has been an especially difficult road season at the plate.
In Other News...
Orioles Suddenly Need Answers On Tyler O'Neill's Shoulder
Tyler ONeills recent absence has pushed a familiar Orioles concern back into the spotlight, with the outfielder sitting out because of right shoulder soreness and heading for an MRI. What had initially sounded like a manageable issue has taken on a more serious tone, and manager Craig Albernaz acknowledged as much, leaving Baltimore to wait on a clearer read before it can settle on a timeline.
Luis Vzquez was traveling to join the club as a potential roster replacement, a sign the Orioles are preparing for at least some short-term shuffling while they sort out ONeills status. For a team already trying to keep its lineup intact, the next update on the shoulder could determine whether this is a brief interruption or a deeper concern. [Read more 🡒]
Jackson Holliday Has A Personal Reason This Busch Stadium Game Hits Different
Jackson Holliday is set to lead off and play second base for Baltimore at Busch Stadium, and this one figures to feel a little different than a normal road game. It will be his first time playing there, even though the ballpark has been part of his life for years because his father, Matt Holliday, spent a memorable run with the Cardinals. For Jackson, the setting comes with the kind of built-in history most players only pick up by accident.
He has been around St. Louis enough to have childhood memories tied to the stadium, including the 2011 World Series and visits to his childhood home. So while the Orioles are just trying to get through another game on the schedule, Holliday is walking into a place loaded with family, familiar scenes and old memories. It gives this matchup a personal layer that goes well beyond the standings. [Read more 🡒]
Jackson Holliday Just Gave Orioles Fans Another Reason To Believe
Busch Stadium brought back a lot for Jackson Holliday long before he stepped into the batters box there this week. The 22-year-old Orioles infielder grew up making trips to St. Louis during his father Matt Hollidays playing days, and this one had a different feel with family watching from the stands as Jackson took another turn on a stage that has long been part of his baseball story.
He gave them plenty to enjoy. Holliday reached base multiple times in the game, another encouraging sign for an Orioles lineup looking for steady production from one of its most important young pieces. Matt Holliday said he is proud of his sons progress and has tried to be a supportive parent first, and nights like this only add to the sense that Jackson is settling into the big leagues on his own terms. [Read more 🡒]