Orioles’ Blaze Alexander: ‘That’s my role now, moving around’

CLEVELAND—It was a typical day in the field for Blaze Alexander. He started Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians in center field, and after Dylan Beavers hit for third baseman Weston Wilson in the fifth, the 26-year-old utility player moved to third.

It was Alexander’s second start in center field. He’s started six times at third, four times at second, and twice at shortstop.

“That’s been my major league career,” Alexander said. “That’s my role right now, moving around, defensive replacement late in games. If I’m not in there to start, showing up to the ballpark, knowing and thinking I’m in the game every day.”

Alexander, who was acquired from Arizona just before spring training began, played second base, shortstop and third base for the Diamondbacks in his first two years in the majors and added center field last year.

He’s been vital in the absence of second baseman Jackson Holliday and third baseman Jordan Westburg.

“The tools jump out at you,” third base coach Buck Britton said. “This guy’s a super athlete. His ability to move around the field. He works hard. It’s not easy to move around like that. Having his athletic ability helps. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. A good guy to have on the bench or whether he’s starting. He can play anywhere. He’s a nice guy to have.”

Alexander was hitless in three at-bats and is hitting .213. Entering Sunday’s game, Alexander’s expected batting average was .333.

“I don’t look at it as unlucky,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “I look at it that his approach at the plate is where it needs to be. He’s getting his swing off and he’s barreling the ball.

“Once the ball leaves your bat, you can’t impact whether it’s going to be a hit or not, whether he’s going to make a play. We talk with our guys about the process. With Blaze, we want him to keep doing what he’s doing and hopefully that stuff will even out. Even if it doesn’t, more often than not, what he’s doing at the plate is going to help us win a lot of games.”

Albernaz has two extremely valuable players, Alexander and Jeremiah Jackson, both of whom play multiple positions.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “Being able to navigate in-game moves is huge. He can pop out to center. He can go anywhere in the dirt. When guys are banged up or need a day, he can fill in at any spot. If Gunnar [Henderson] needs a DH day, we don’t take a hit. Blaze can play shortstop. It’s just a huge asset to have.”

Alexander, who has just one extra-base hit in his 17 games, had 20 extra-base hits (12 doubles, a triple, seven home runs) in 74 games with Arizona last year, says he’s not worried about the stats.

“You’re definitely hoping for it to even out,” Alexander said. “A couple of good barrels that found some grass, possibly some extra-base hits.

“I haven’t looked at any expected numbers. Obviously as a player, I’m looking at the numbers that are on the board. Nowhere near satisfied. A couple of balls drop here and there, it looks a little different. Been playing for a pretty long time, keep having good at bats, it’s going to turn around.”

Alexander is another extrovert in a clubhouse with several who can be classified that way. He wants to see smiles from his teammates.]

“When they see me, hopefully make their day better,” he said. “That’s how you’ve got to be. We have multiple high-energy guys on this team. I think that’s why we’re such a close-knit group. There’s no cliques on this team. Everyone talks to everyone, buys playing video games together. Everyone is playing Clash Royale on their phones. It’s a connected group.”

Alexander is enjoying his time in Baltimore.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to live in a city. I’m right downtown in the city. That’s kind of how I envisioned being in the big leagues, being in an apartment or a condo overlooking the city, playing ball for that city. I’m enjoying it.

“In Arizona, it was easier living. I was still living at home,” he said. “My parents lived out there. They were cooking my breakfast.

“Growing up a little bit, cooking my own food. I have my girlfriend with me. She’s helping me. I’m liking it. I’ve grown up as a person and a player.”

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