Orioles Manager Sidelined After Foul Ball Fractures Jaw

Craig Albernaz will be limited to soft foods for 6 weeks as he recovers from multiple facial fractures.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:36am

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A fractured, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the moment a baseball struck a manager, the impact breaking the scene into sharp, overlapping planes.A cubist interpretation of the moment a foul ball struck Orioles manager Craig Albernaz, fracturing his jaw and cheek.Baltimore Today

Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz suffered multiple fractures in his cheek and jaw area after being struck by a foul ball during Monday's game. While he avoided the need for surgery, Albernaz will be restricted to a soft food diet for the next six weeks as he recovers.

Why it matters

Albernaz's injury highlights the dangers that managers and coaches face when positioned close to the field of play, and the challenges they can encounter in returning to full duties after sustaining significant facial trauma.

The details

Albernaz was struck in the dugout by a foul ball off the bat of Orioles infielder Jeremiah Jackson in the fifth inning on Monday. He suffered over half a dozen fractures in his cheek area as well as a broken jaw, but was relieved to avoid the need for surgery. Albernaz returned to the dugout an inning later but ultimately had to leave the game to undergo a CT scan at a local hospital, where he remained until around midnight.

  • Albernaz was struck by the foul ball in the 5th inning on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • He returned to the dugout an inning later but had to leave the game to undergo medical evaluation.
  • Albernaz was released from the hospital around midnight on April 14, 2026.

The players

Craig Albernaz

The first-year manager of the Baltimore Orioles, who suffered multiple facial fractures after being struck by a foul ball in the dugout.

Jeremiah Jackson

An Orioles infielder whose foul ball struck Albernaz in the dugout during Monday's game.

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What they’re saying

“I can't blow my nose for six weeks, because one of the fractures is kind of like where my orbital bone is. If I blow my nose it's going to go up into my eye.”

— Craig Albernaz, Orioles Manager

“Six weeks of soft foods. Can't do anything strenuous.”

— Craig Albernaz, Orioles Manager

What’s next

Albernaz will be limited to a soft food diet for the next six weeks as he recovers from his facial fractures. The Orioles have not provided a specific timeline for his return to full managerial duties.

The takeaway

Albernaz's injury serves as a sobering reminder of the occupational hazards that managers and coaches face when positioned close to the field of play. His recovery process will test his patience, but the Orioles are hopeful he can return to the dugout once he has fully healed.