Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso is getting a first crack at something he has never done before: batting leadoff.
That change comes Friday, August 14, when the Orioles face the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays. Baltimore is trying to keep pace in a crowded American League wild card race, and Alonso is willing to take on whatever role helps the club get there.
His response to the assignment had a little bit of swagger and a lot of humor. Speaking on hitting leadoff for the first time in his career Friday, via @jcalvinmeyer, Alonso said: “I’m not saying me and him are the same guy, but I’m like Schwarber-adjacent, you know?
… I can be the right-handed Schwarber, I guess. Why not?”
He was referring to Philadelphia Phillies left fielder and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, who has carved out a strong reputation as a leadoff hitter. The comparison isn’t exact, but Alonso’s point was clear enough.
The numbers give the joke some teeth. Alonso, 31, has 290 homeruns, while Schwarber, 33, has 377.
For Baltimore, the move fits the moment. The Orioles are 58-63, sitting last in the AL East and tied for fourth in the wild card chase at two games back. They’ve gone 4-6 over their last 10, while the Rays have surged to 9-1.
At this point, the Orioles have little to lose by shaking up the lineup and trying something different.
It has already been a rough season for Orioles fans, and the Adley Rutschman trade only added to the frustration.
Now the question is whether Baltimore can find enough life to stay competitive through the rest of August and September.
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