NEW YORK—It took until the Orioles’ season was nearly over for Pete Alonso to make it back to Citi Field, where he starred for seven years with the New York Mets.
“I knew it was coming, but definitely came quicker than expected,” Alonso told a group of about 40 reporters gathered in a cramped and noisy hallway outside the Orioles’ clubhouse on Monday.
“A lot of life here, so it’s obviously really exciting to be back.”
Alonso received cheers from a crowd of fans who were waiting for him when Oriole batting practice started about two hours before game time.
“I’m very gracious and appreciative of all the years of support,” he said. “It’s really special to have that. It’s been a long time, but I know that I’ve been an Oriole now for almost a complete year.”
Alonso signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles last December. He’ll get a tribute video before the game, and then he’ll have to face the Mets for the first time.
“It’ll be definitely different, but so many good memories here,” he said. “It’s going to be interesting to see what emotions bubble up.”
Alonso, who holds the Mets’ franchise record with 264 home runs, has 35 with the Orioles this year, putting him in line to hit number 300 in one of these three games in Flushing.
His former teammate, Francisco Lindor, also has 299.
“It would be really cool if both of us could do it in the same game,” Alonso said.
Alonso, who’s played in each of the Orioles’ 150 games to stretch his consecutive games streak to 566, said he’s delighted with the Orioles’ match.
“I feel like Baltimore is home,” he said. “I feel so at home and really just so genuinely happy. I really see myself in a really good way with this organization. Hopefully, I get to finish my career as an Oriole. I’m beyond blessed to be an Oriole.”
Alonso was named as the Orioles’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente award for his community service.
Basallo sits against right-hander
Catcher Samuel Basallo, who’s hitting just .150 in 20 games since returning from missing a month with right shoulder inflammation, isn’t in the lineup against right-hander Jonah Tong.
“He’s playing through that right shoulder,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “We try to get him out of harm’s way as best we can. He’s fighting to stay on the field. He wants to be out there and play and contribute and help us win. Even though we lost the series in Toronto, we’re still in it, so Sammy wants to help us win. The best version of Sammy is going to help us win, and we’re trying to figure out what that looks like and try to keep him as healthy as we can.”
Albernaz conceded that it might be best for Basallo and for the Orioles to shut down for the season, which they’ve done with right-hander Kyle Bradish.
“Yeah, it could be, for sure,” Albernaz said. “But right now, Sammy wants to play, and he’s our guy, so we’re going to stick by him and support him as best we can.”
Waiting on Bautista
Closer Félix Bautista remains with Triple-A Norfolk on a rehab assignment. Bautista, who had rotator cuff and labrum surgery in August 2025, has yet to pitch in back-to-back games with Norfolk. The Tides’ season ends on Sunday.
“We’re thinking through everything right now,” Albernaz said. “That’s one of the talking points as well. Do we want to push him as well? It’s a very fluid dynamic with Félix. We want to make sure we’re doing right by him and how he’s feeling and to make sure we don’t put him in harm’s way.”
Albernaz is pleased with how he’s thrown at Norfolk.
“One hundred percent. Even him just getting back into game action with all he’s been through [makes me] pleased,” Albernaz said. “The velocity has been there. He’s been throwing strikes. By all accounts he’s bouncing back and recovering well, so there’s a lot to pleased about.”
Heuer recalled, Hiraldo optioned
After throwing a career-high 49 pitches in allowing four runs on two hits and four walks in 1 2/3 innings in Toronto on Sunday, right-hander Yaramil Hiraldo was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk and right-hander Codi Heuer was recalled from Norfolk.
The 30-year-old right-hander was traded to the Orioles from Milwaukee on August 3rd, two days after Cleveland included him a trade to the Brewers.
In four seasons, Heuer has pitched with the White Sox, Cubs, Texas, Detroit and the Guardians. In 97 games, he’s 10-5 with a 3.97 ERA and three saves.
At Norfolk, Heuer pitched 14 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing nine hits in 12 games, striking out 12 and walking four.
“I’ve been trying to keep it simple and let my defense work behind me,” Heuer said. “Really started to feel like myself again out there on mound and just getting comfortable.”
Orioles-Mets lineups
Dylan Beavers-LF
Pete Alonso-1B
Gunnar Henderson-SS
Coby Mayo-3B
Jackson Holliday-2B
Christian Encarnacion-Strand-DH
Heston Kjerstad-RF
Colton Cowser-CF
Carlos Narváez-C
Brandon Young-RHP
Mets
Francisco Lindor-SS
Juan Soto-LF
Bo Bichette-3B
Carson Benge-RF
Jared Young-DH
Marcus Semien-2B
A.J. Ewing-CF
Brett Baty-1B
Franciso Alvarez-C
Jonah Tong-RHP
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