Blaze Alexander returns to Orioles from injured list

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Orioles are receiving support in the form of a key player returning from the injured list.

Utilityman Blaze Alexander has recovered from a broken hand and was activated Friday, the team announced. The Orioles are beginning a three-game series against the Athletics as part of their three-city road trip. It began with a series win in St. Louis. Baltimore wraps it up next week against the Colorado Rockies.

“Just that energy he brings, I’m sure you guys felt it when you saw him. That’s something I missed,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Blaze is a gamer. That’s the best way to describe him. ... And to me it shows out on the field and it’s infectious in the clubhouse.”

Alexander broke his hand in July when he was hit by a pitch. His stint on the sideline came amid one of the hottest stretches of his career. Alexander is hitting .312 with an .807 on-base-plus-slugging percentage this season.

The 27-year-old will likely see time in the outfield as well as his more natural infield positions down the stretch. With outfielder Tyler O’Neill on the injured list with a rotator cuff strain, Baltimore can make use of Alexander’s right-handed bat against left-handed pitching.

Alexander played two rehab games this week with Triple-A Norfolk. In the first, he started at third base and made an acrobatic play to tag out a runner.

In the second, he started in center field. He notched two hits, including a double, and drove in a run.

Alexander said his two-game rehab assignment went about as well as it could’ve.

“Caught a barrel, got an RBI single, played some outfield, made a little viral play at third base, and we’re back,” Alexander said. “I couldn’t really ask for more.”

After the first game, Alexander said, Albernaz texted him initially to talk about his viral play at third base. But then Albernaz asked how he was feeling.

The truth is, Alexander feels better than ever.

“I feel super, super prepared,” Alexander said. “I feel really in shape. I don’t know if I even felt like that at the beginning of the year.”

With Baltimore’s strength and conditioning staff, Alexander spent six weeks working on running and strength training. He also had the chance to rest any niggles he carried.

“We’re here, six weeks later, around the time frame we were shooting for,” Alexander said. “I couldn’t be happier. We’re in a really good spot with the team. Team’s playing well. Hopefully I can add a little spark.”

To make room for Alexander, the Orioles optioned infielder Luis Vázquez to the minors. For the time being, however, Vázquez will remain with the club on the taxi squad.

This article has been updated.