League: MLB Sport: Baseball Country: United States Category: Playoffs

Pete Alonso adjusts to leadoff position for Orioles against Rays

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 11:56 PM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Pete Alonso adjusts to leadoff position for Orioles against Rays

Summary

Pete Alonso of the Baltimore Orioles will hit leadoff for the first time in his career as the team faces the Tampa Bay Rays. The Orioles, who remain in contention for a Wild Card spot in the American League, have had a fluctuating season and are gearing up for a crucial stretch. Alonso, who has a.259 batting average, leads the team in home runs, average, and OPS, and views his new role as an opportunity to maximize his at-bats. The switch echoes similar moves by other teams, the Philadelphia Phillies with Kyle Schwarber. Alonso expressed enthusiasm about the change, emphasizing his potential impact.

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Key Details

•Alonso hits leadoff for the first time against the Rays.
•Orioles remain in Wild Card contention with seven weeks left.
•Alonso leads the team in home runs, average, and OPS.
•Change reflects a broader trend of power hitters in leadoff spots.
•Alonso compares himself to Kyle Schwarber regarding his new role.

Latest Updates

11:56 PMYahoo Sports — Pete Alonso Compares Himself to All-Star After Major Change in the Orioles Lineup

What they're saying

"
The Baltimore Orioles have been up-and-down for much of the 2026 season, but the team have done enough to hang around in the Wild Card race, and now, they’ll look for a strong seven weeks to finish their campaign on the right note.It’s not going to be easy for this team to book a spot […] The post Pete Alonso Compares Himself to All-Star After Major Change in the Orioles Lineup appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Baltimore Orioles Philadelphia Phillies Tampa Bay Rays MLB Baseball