Scary Pete Alonso HBP could serve as marker for beginning of Orioles' late slide

There is never a good time or good place to get hit by a pitch. But getting hit in the head while you are mired in a slump would probably top the list. Unfortunately for Pete Alonso, he had to find that out the hard way during the Baltimore Orioles’ August 30 matchup with the Athletics.

Alonso took a 95 MPH fastball from Kade Morris straight to the front of his helmet. Although he was able to shrug off the scary moment and apparently avoid major injury, it came at the worst time for the star first baseman. 

Outside of the obvious health concerns, Alonso had been just 2-19 in his last five games before the terrifying HBP. Although that’s a far cry from being considered a major slump, it’s certainly notable considering how well the Polar bear has played all year. Alonso had previously been on a torrid stretch in August, raising his season batting average by more than 20 points. His 1.050 OPS in August represents his season-high for any month, that’s even including his near-home run against the New York Yankees. But in September he's hitting just .217 with a .714 OPS and the Orioles are 2-6 over that stretch.

Hopefully for Alonso and the Orioles organization, he won't have to deal with any lingering side effects from the HBP. As we've seen all season, the team has been fueled by Alonso’s elite play on the field and leadership off of it.  

As you would imagine, taking a heater to the head is not something to be taken lightly. While Alonso got up to his feet on his own and attempted to stay in the game, the Orioles refused to take any chances. Jackson Holliday quickly came into the game and pinch ran for Alonso.    

As reported by Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun, Alonso appeared to pass the health check immediately following the scary HBP. After the game, manager Craig Albernaz offered a relieving update on his slugger’s health.  

“Jackie was already ready to run, and Pete was fine, came out fine. He was typical Pete in the dugout, so he'll be fine,” Albernaz said.

Orioles are learning Pete Alonso's biggest impact goes far beyond what happens at plate

Through his first 145 games with the Orioles, Alonso is hitting .266 with an .853 OPS. His 33 home runs not only lead the team, but are good for the fourth most in the American League. His 4.0 fWAR also earns him the top mark on the entire team. He won’t come close to winning AL MVP, but he will undoubtedly have a few votes thrown his way for carrying an Orioles’ team into a position to compete for a Wild Card spot.    

Nearly one year into his five-year, $155 million contract, Alonso has already proven to be well worth the money. Despite being a franchise player for the New York Mets for years, the organization allowed Alonso to walk after the 2025 season. That has turned out to be a costly decision for the Mets, while the Orioles have benefited greatly from Alonso’s presence in the lineup. 

The entire Orioles’ roster even seems to have rallied around Alonso, who has quickly established him as a clubhouse leader in just a few short months.    

If Tyler O’Neill’s recent quote wasn’t proof enough that the 2026 Baltimore Orioles have a certain “It” factor about them, Alonso’s toughness can help hammer home that point.

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