Craig Albernaz Suffers Facial Fractures and Broken Jaw After Foul Ball Incident Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz sustained multiple facial injuries after being struck by a foul ball during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 13, 2026. According to Albernaz, he suffered at least seven fractures in his cheek area and a broken jaw, though he avoided surgery and did not require his jaw to be wired shut. The incident occurred in the fifth inning when Orioles second baseman Jeremiah Jackson hit a line-drive foul ball that traveled approximately 70.6 mph and struck Albernaz on the cheek although he was positioned on the top step of the dugout, outside the protective netting. Albernaz immediately left the field for medical evaluation and underwent a CT scan at a local hospital, where he remained until shortly after midnight. Despite the severity of the injury, Albernaz returned to the dugout the following day and attended a pregame news conference, where he described his symptoms and recovery plan. He noted that one of the fractures involved his orbital bone, making it unsafe to blow his nose for approximately six weeks, as doing so could force air into his eye socket. He also stated that he would require to adhere to a soft food diet for the same period, joking that he might consume baby food during his recovery. Albernaz emphasized that while he felt fortunate to avoid surgical intervention, he recognized the need to limit physical exertion, including avoiding arguments with umpires, as advised by medical staff. He expressed gratitude for the protective response of his medical team, acknowledging that his initial desire to return to the game quickly was overruled by professional judgment. The Orioles also announced on April 14, 2026, that infielder Jackson Holliday had been recalled from a rehabilitation assignment due to mild right wrist soreness, a precautionary measure following his recent hamate surgery. Holliday was subsequently shut down for a few days to allow for recovery.
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