Baltimore utility man Blaze Alexander is recovering from a broken hand after being hit by a pitch that ignited a benches-clearing incident in the Orioles’ 8-2 win over the Kansas City Royals
A pitch that sparked pandemonium
Royals reliever Lucas Erceg hit Alexander on the left hand with an inside fastball in the seventh inning and Alexander yelled at Erceg as he walked to first base.
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz was quick to step in to hold his infielder back, but both dugouts and bullpens emptied onto the field. No punches were thrown, no players were ejected, ESPN reported.
Benches and bullpens emptied between the Orioles and Royals after Blaze Alexander was plunked by Lucas Erceg pic.twitter.com/BNYAUBJhm4
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 12, 2026
The Diagnosis
Later, Alexander was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of his left hand. X-rays revealed the break, and he’ll see a doctor during the All-Star break this week.
There is no timetable yet for his return but Albernaz did not hide his disappointment.“Definitely a gut punch,” manager said of losing Alexander before Baltimore’s meeting with Houston after the break.
Erceg: No Bad Blood Here
Erceg, who said the pitch was unintentional, pointed to his own rough season as proof he had no reason to target Alexander.
“Mine’s like 5-something,” said Erceg. “I’m not going out there to go beat guys up and put guys on and give up homers and this and that” He added that he understood Alexander’s frustration but maintained there was no ill intent behind the pitch.
A Tough Loss to Absorb
Alexander has been one of Baltimore’s most reliable performers this season, leading the team with a .312 batting average.
The 27-year-old, acquired from Arizona over the winter, has bounced around the diamond all year, starting games at third base, second base, shortstop and all three outfield spots.
His absence adds another complication for an Orioles club trying to build momentum after a four-game winning streak heading into the break.
