Orioles Manager Suffers Facial Fractures After Being Hit by Foul Ball

Craig Albernaz will be on a 'baby food' diet for six weeks to recover.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:26am

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A dynamic, neon-colored painting featuring bold, expressive brushstrokes that convey the raw power and motion of a baseball player swinging a bat, conceptually representing the intensity and drama of a manager's injury on the field.An explosive, energetic illustration captures the intensity of a baseball player at the plate, reflecting the high-stakes drama of a manager's injury.Baltimore Today

Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz suffered seven fractures in his orbital, cheek, and jaw areas after being struck in the face by a foul ball during Monday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Albernaz was immediately taken to the clubhouse for medical attention but was able to return to the dugout in the bottom of the sixth inning. The manager will not require surgery or have his jaw wired shut, but he will be limited to a soft 'baby food' diet for the next six weeks.

Why it matters

Foul ball injuries are a serious concern in baseball, and this incident highlights the risks managers and coaches face when they are in close proximity to the field of play. Albernaz's quick return to the dugout and his high pain tolerance are also noteworthy, as they demonstrate the toughness required to manage at the Major League level.

The details

In the bottom of the fifth inning, a foul ball off the bat of Orioles second baseman Jeremiah Jackson struck Albernaz in the face, resulting in seven fractures. The ball had an exit velocity of 70.6 mph. Despite the injury, Albernaz was back in the dugout by the bottom of the sixth inning. The medical staff's quick response and Albernaz's resilience allowed him to avoid more serious injury or missing time with the team.

  • The incident occurred in the bottom of the fifth inning on Monday, April 15, 2026.
  • Albernaz was back in the dugout by the bottom of the sixth inning.

The players

Craig Albernaz

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

Jeremiah Jackson

The Orioles second baseman whose foul ball struck Albernaz in the face.

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What they’re saying

“All in all, it's seven fractures in my orbital, cheek, area, and a broken jaw. [My jaw] doesn't have to be wired, no surgery. I just have to eat baby food for six weeks. So Gigi [his two-year-old daughter] will have a better diet than I do.”

— Craig Albernaz, Orioles Manager

“Sorry, homie”

— Jeremiah Jackson

What’s next

Albernaz will be limited to a soft 'baby food' diet for the next six weeks as he recovers from his facial fractures.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the inherent dangers managers and coaches face when they are in close proximity to the field of play. While Albernaz's quick return to the dugout and high pain tolerance are admirable, the story serves as a reminder of the importance of player and staff safety in professional baseball.