Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso will do anything to help his team get into the postseason. The Orioles have an uphill climb to get through a competitive American League wildcard race. They take on the AL East leading Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, August 14. In that game, Alonso will achieve a career first. He is batting leadoff. MORE: Mariners executive says 21-year-old concealed severity of injury Alonso’s reaction is priceless Alonso is all about the team, but he clearly has a sense of humor too. He said: “I’m not saying me and him are the same guy, but I’m like Schwarber-adjacent, you know? … I can be the right-handed Schwarber, I guess. Why not?” Alonso is referring to Philadelphia Phillies left fielder and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. Though he is somewhat joking, Schwarber has been an outstanding leadoff hitter.
Jun 16, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) hits a double against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Their hitting careers somewhat compare. Alonso, 31, has 290 homeruns, and Schwarber, 33, has 377. MORE: White Sox add former Astros star immediately before weekend set against Tigers ‘Why not’ is right attitude The Orioles need to switch things up. They are 58-63, last in the AL East, and tied for fourth in the wildcard race at two games out. They are 4-6 in their last 10 games; whereas, the Rays are 9-1. Nothing more can be lost at this point by trying something new. It has been a disappointing MLB season for Orioles fans which only got worse with the Adley Rutschman trade. Can the Orioles rebound and be competitive through the rest of August and September? Time will tell. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —