Overview
- Pete Alonso was removed after the fifth inning of a 13-1 win over the Cardinals as a precaution to get him off his feet, despite going 4-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs.
- Manager Craig Albernaz said Alonso was 'dealing with his calf' and then told reporters 'I didn’t say anything was bothering him' and 'Please don’t put words in my mouth' when asked to clarify.
- Albernaz previously reported a right calf cramp about 10 days earlier against the Rays, and the club says that earlier episode is guiding the team's cautious handling of Alonso now.
- Alonso has not missed any games since the earlier incident and continues to hit well, but the Orioles’ conservative use of their newly acquired slugger could affect lineup decisions as they pursue a playoff push.
- The postgame confrontation drew widespread coverage as an unusual manager‑media clash that highlights tensions over injury transparency and how teams communicate player health.