Orioles Overcome Injuries to Maintain AL East Lead

Despite losing key players, Baltimore's young stars step up to keep team atop division.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:31pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game or match, with the players and field abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, capturing the energy and competitive spirit of the sport.The Orioles' young stars shine through the chaos of injuries, keeping the team in contention for the AL East crown.Baltimore Today

The Baltimore Orioles have overcome a rash of injuries, including to star catcher Adley Rutschman and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, to maintain their position atop the AL East standings. Led by the MVP-caliber play of shortstop Gunnar Henderson and newcomer Taylor Ward, the Orioles have won 5 of their last 6 games, tying the slumping New York Yankees for first place in the division.

Why it matters

The Orioles' ability to stay competitive despite significant injuries to key players demonstrates the depth and resilience of their roster, raising hopes that the team can sustain their success and potentially make a deep playoff run this season.

The details

In the past week, the Orioles have lost catcher Adley Rutschman to ankle inflammation, outfielder Tyler O'Neill to a concussion, and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle to a broken bone in his foot. However, the team has continued to win, thanks to strong performances from shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who is playing at an MVP level, and newcomer Taylor Ward, who leads the AL in home runs and doubles.

  • Less than a week after losing pitcher Zach Eflin to Tommy John surgery, the Orioles saw three position players go down with injuries.
  • Adley Rutschman was placed on the 10-day Injured List with ankle inflammation.
  • Tyler O'Neill was placed on the 7-day Injured List with a concussion.
  • Ryan Mountcastle is expected to miss significant time after breaking a bone in his foot.
  • The Orioles have won 5 of their last 6 games, tying the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East.

The players

Gunnar Henderson

The Orioles' shortstop is playing at an MVP level, leading the team's offensive surge.

Taylor Ward

The Orioles' newcomer is leading the AL in home runs and doubles, providing a boost to the lineup.

Adley Rutschman

The Orioles' star catcher was placed on the 10-day Injured List with ankle inflammation.

Ryan Mountcastle

The Orioles' first baseman is expected to miss significant time after breaking a bone in his foot.

Craig Albernaz

The Orioles' manager has guided the team to success despite the rash of injuries.

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What they’re saying

“They don't waver. They fight. They compete. I knew right from the jump, when everyone showed up, it was the same energy.”

— Craig Albernaz, Orioles Manager

“Encouraging news with Adley, we just have to nip this in the bud, and he will be good to go. With Mounty (Mountcastle), yeah, that's a little tougher. He's got, the fourth metacarpal is broken in his foot. Yeah, it's tough.”

— Craig Albernaz, Orioles Manager

What’s next

The Orioles will host the Arizona Diamondbacks for a three-game series at home before heading on a road trip that will take them to Cleveland and then Kansas City.

The takeaway

The Orioles' ability to maintain their position atop the AL East despite significant injuries to key players demonstrates the depth and resilience of their roster, raising hopes that the team can sustain their success and potentially make a deep playoff run this season.