The Orioles activated utility player Blaze Alexander from the 10-day injured list before Friday night’s game in Sacramento against the Athletics. Alexander hasn’t played since he fractured his left hand on July 12th when he was hit by a pitch from Kansas City’s Lucas Erceg.
Alexander, who’s started games at six positions—second base, third base, shortstop and each of the three outfield spots — is hitting .312 with an .807 OPS, four home runs and 29 RBIs.
He’s leading off and playing shortstop. Gunnar Henderson is not in the Orioles’ lineup. Manager Craig Albernaz told reporters in Sacramento that it was a day off for Henderson, who’s missed only one game this season.
Alexander played two rehab games at Triple-A Norfolk this week.
Alexander has started more often at third base (34 games) than anywhere else, but in his absence Christian Encarnacion-Strand has played well.
To make room for Alexander on the 26-man roster, the Orioles optioned infielder Luis Vázquez to Norfolk, though Vázquez will remain with the club on the taxi squad. Vázquez joined the Orioles on Wednesday after outfielder Tyler O’Neill went on the injured list with a shoulder injury.
Vázquez played one inning on Wednesday, scoring a run as a pinch-runner and at third base.
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