BOSTON—Craig Albernaz has already had three “homecomings” in his first two-plus months as Orioles manager. In April, he managed at Cleveland, where he spent the previous two seasons on the coaching staff of Guardians manager Stephen Vogt.
Two weeks ago, he managed at Tropicana Field against the Tampa Bay Rays, the team that Albernaz worked for as a player, minor league coach, manager and administrator for 14 years.
On Tuesday, Albernaz will manage against the team he rooted for as a child, the Boston Red Sox. Albernaz grew up in Fall River, Massachusetts, about 45 miles away.
“It’s so much fun,” Albernaz said. “Growing up here, coming here as a kid, just watching games as a fan. It’s a great ballpark, legendary ballpark. Sometimes we had the seats with the obstructed view, which was fun in its own right.”
Albernez’s parents, Norman and Liz, are here, along with his sister, godson and some close friends. He couldn’t buy tickets for everyone who wanted to come.
“People reach out for tickets, and I had to say no,” Albernaz said.
Bunting a weapon for Taveras
Last season, the Orioles had just four sacrifice bunts. In their first 60 games, they already have nine. Leody Taveras is tied for the American League lead with five sacrifices, a career high.
“With Leo, that’s such a great tool that he has,” Albernaz said. “He has the ability to get it down and to be able to put it in the right spots. A lot of the times, he does it on his own, but sometimes I put the sign on, and the past couple of times we were joking around about it—if I hadn’t put the sign on, what would he have done it anyway? He said, yeah. He has a great feel for the game, and you never know when it’s going to be such a game-turning event for us.”
What’s going on in the minors? The Orioles released infielder Maikol Hernández, who, along with Samuel Basallo, were the first two international players signed for more than $1 million in 2021. Hernández, whom the Orioles thought had “five-tool potential” when he signed, hit just .182 in six minor league seasons. … Enrique Bradfield Jr., who’s rehabbing from a hand injury, has moved up from Single-A Delmarva to High-A Frederick. … Infielder Luis Vázquez has completed his rehab assignment and joined Triple-A Norfolk. Vázquez had a broken thumb.
Orioles-Red Sox lineups
Orioles
Taylor Ward-LF
Gunnar Henderson-SS
Adley Rutschman-C
Pete Alonso-1B
Samuel Basallo-DH
Coby Mayo-3B
Tyler O’Neill-RF
Leody Taveras-CF
Blaze Alexander-2B
Shane Baz-RHP
Red Sox
Jarren Duran-LF
Ceddanne Rafaela-CF
Wilyer Abreu-RF
Willson Contreras-1B
Masataka Yoshida-DH
Mickey Gasper-C
Isiah Kiner-Falefa-2B
Marcelo Mayer-SS
Caleb Durbin-3B
Connelly Early-LHP
Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: [email protected]