In the high-stakes environment of a Major League Baseball dugout, managers usually worry about pitching changes, pinch hitters, and defensive shifts. However, for Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz, the primary concern during Sunday’s matchup against the Oakland Athletics was a bit more personal: protecting his face from 100-mph projectiles.
During the second inning of the Orioles' 2-1 victory, Albernaz provided one of the most unique sights of the 2026 season when he donned a full catcher’s mask and helmet while standing on the dugout steps. The move, while drawing laughs from players and opposing staff alike, was rooted in a harrowing experience that has defined the manager’s first year at the helm in Baltimore.
The Incident: A Close Call with Pete Alonso
The decision to mask up wasn't a pre-planned stunt. It was a visceral reaction to a screaming foul ball off the bat of slugger Pete Alonso. The liner whistled past the Orioles’ dugout, narrowly missing the coaching staff and serving as a jarring reminder of the dangers that lurk just feet away from the field of play.
According to Albernaz, the decision to go full “catcher mode” was partly encouraged by the opposition. Athletics manager Mark Kotsay was seen laughing and gesturing toward Albernaz from the visitors' dugout, essentially egging him on to prioritize his safety. Albernaz first reached for a leather glove to protect himself before eventually pulling on the protective iron mask.
“Alonso hit a ball that pretty much was really close to me, and almost hit me,” Albernaz told reporters after the game. “I happened to look over at Kotsay, and he was laughing and he was telling me to put the mask on and stuff.”
A History of Hard Knocks: The April Injury
To understand why a catcher's mask was necessary, one has to look back to April 13, 2026. In a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Albernaz was struck squarely in the face by a foul ball off the bat of his own second baseman, Jeremiah Jackson. The impact was devastating, resulting in a broken jaw and seven distinct facial fractures.
Despite the severity of the injury, Albernaz earned a reputation as one of the toughest figures in the game by remaining in the dugout to finish the game before seeking medical attention. The aftermath, however, was grueling. The manager was forced onto a strict diet of liquids and baby food for six weeks as his jaw healed—a detail that makes his cautiousness on Sunday entirely understandable.
Dugout Safety: A Growing Concern in MLB
While the image of a manager in a catcher’s mask is lighthearted, it highlights a serious conversation regarding dugout safety in the modern era. With exit velocities frequently topping 110 mph, the reaction time for coaches and players sitting near the railing is virtually non-existent. Over the last decade, MLB has mandated extended netting to protect fans, but the dugouts remain one of the few areas where personnel are relatively exposed.
Albernaz’s background as a former minor league catcher makes the mask a natural, if unconventional, fit. Having spent years behind the plate, the gear represents a return to his roots—though he likely never expected to need it while managing from the bench.
Key Takeaways from the Orioles’ Sunday Win:
- The Score: The Orioles defeated the Athletics 2-1 in a tightly contested pitcher's duel.
- The Gear: Albernaz utilized a standard catcher's helmet and mask for several innings following the Alonso foul ball.
- The Context: This was Albernaz's first major "scare" since returning from a broken jaw suffered in April.
The Road Ahead for the Orioles
As the Orioles continue their push in the AL East, the health of their manager remains a top priority. Albernaz’s willingness to poke fun at his own trauma while taking necessary precautions has endeared him to a Baltimore clubhouse that is currently firing on all cylinders. Whether the mask becomes a permanent fixture or remains a situational tool for high-risk hitters remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Craig Albernaz isn't taking any more chances with his jaw.
For now, the Orioles can celebrate a win and a manager who knows exactly how to handle the heat—both on the scoreboard and from the batter's box.
Sources & Original Reporting
