Orioles Manager Struck in Face by Foul Ball

Craig Albernaz injured in dugout during game against Diamondbacks

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:06am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a baseball game scene broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant orange, blue, and green, conceptually representing the dangers coaches face from foul balls in the dugout.A cubist interpretation of the moment a foul ball struck Orioles manager Craig Albernaz, highlighting the inherent risks coaches face in the dugout.Baltimore Today

Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz was struck in the face by a foul ball off the bat of his second baseman Jeremiah Jackson during the team's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 13. Albernaz, 43, was evaluated by the team's medical staff and returned to the dugout after about 45 minutes.

Why it matters

Foul ball injuries to coaches and managers are relatively rare but can be serious, raising concerns about player and staff safety in the dugout. Albernaz's injury comes as the Orioles are off to a strong 8-7 start in his first season as manager.

The details

In the fifth inning, Jackson's line drive foul ball measured at 70.6 mph struck Albernaz in the side of the face as he was positioned in the first-base dugout. Albernaz turned his head but was unable to fully avoid the ball. He was immediately escorted to the clubhouse by coaches and players.

  • The incident occurred in the fifth inning of the Orioles' game against the Diamondbacks on April 13, 2026.

The players

Craig Albernaz

The 43-year-old first-year manager of the Baltimore Orioles.

Jeremiah Jackson

The Orioles' second baseman who hit the foul ball that struck Albernaz.

Pete Alonso

The Orioles player who hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to give Baltimore an 8-7 lead after they had trailed 7-1.

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What they’re saying

“The ball came up on Albernaz quickly, leaving him virtually helpless to avoid the baseball, though he turned his head and perhaps absorbed a more glancing blow.”

— Gabe Lacques, Author

What’s next

The Orioles said Albernaz was evaluated by the team's medical staff and returned to the dugout about 45 minutes later. There was no immediate update on his condition or status for future games.

The takeaway

Foul ball injuries to coaches and managers are a rare but serious risk in baseball, highlighting the need for increased safety measures in dugouts to protect staff from potentially dangerous line drives. Albernaz's injury comes as the Orioles are off to a strong start under his first-year leadership.