Orioles Outfielder Leody Taveras Makes Surprise Move to Third Base

Leody Taveras, a seven-year MLB veteran who has exclusively played the outfield, made an unexpected transition to third base for five innings during the Baltimore Orioles’ 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium on Monday. The move became necessary after third baseman Blaze Alexander exited the game in the second inning due to right knee discomfort following a foul ball.

Manager Craig Albernaz deployed Taveras at the “hot corner” because the club’s designated hitter, Coby Mayo, was already in the lineup, and the team lacked an active backup infielder on the bench. Taveras successfully handled his first defensive opportunity in the third inning, fielding a 78.4 mph ground ball from Jose Siri and throwing to first base for an out.

Did You Know? Leody Taveras played third base using Blaze Alexander’s glove, relying on real-time positioning instructions relayed from the dugout by infield coach Miguel Cairo throughout his five innings at the position.

Why the infield adjustment was necessary

The Orioles faced a personnel shortage that forced the unconventional defensive alignment. Blaze Alexander, who is batting .413 in June, suffered a muscle contusion that caused his leg to lock up. While the team had Luis Vázquez available on the taxi squad, the club had already opted to select the contract of catcher Chadwick Tromp to bolster the roster’s depth behind the plate.

Manager Craig Albernaz noted that he considered other options before settling on Taveras. He bypassed center fielder Colton Cowser, who expressed visible nervousness at the prospect, and chose Taveras because the veteran had previously practiced taking ground balls during outfield drills. The decision allowed the Orioles to maintain their lineup integrity without forcing an early shift for Coby Mayo, who eventually moved to third base in the eighth inning.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that while such defensive versatility is rare for a career outfielder, the Orioles’ reliance on coach Miguel Cairo to manually position Taveras highlights the tactical gap between outfield and infield play. The success of this substitution underscores the importance of a “next man up” mentality, though it remains a high-risk strategy that teams typically avoid unless forced by injury.

What happens next for the Orioles’ lineup

The status of Blaze Alexander remains day to day, and his return will likely determine whether Taveras returns to his traditional role in the outfield. Should Alexander’s knee injury require an extended recovery period, the club may need to evaluate its internal infield depth, as the current configuration requires significant coaching intervention to manage positioning.

Miguel Cairo on coaching Leody Taveras at third base against the Angels

Taveras indicated a willingness to continue serving in a utility capacity if requested by the coaching staff. Following his defensive performance, he also contributed offensively with a double in the sixth inning and a single in the eighth. Whether he remains a viable defensive option for the infield remains to be seen, as the team balances his athleticism with the specialized demands of the position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn’t Coby Mayo move to third base immediately?
Mayo was the designated hitter; moving him to third base early in the game would have forced the Orioles to forfeit their DH spot for the remainder of the contest.

How did Taveras know where to stand?
Infield coach Miguel Cairo moved to a seat in front of the first-base dugout railing and relayed specific positioning instructions to Taveras before every defensive play.

What is the current injury status of Blaze Alexander?
Alexander is considered day to day with a muscle contusion in his right knee that caused his leg to lock up in the dugout.

Would you consider a position change in the middle of a professional game to be the ultimate test of a player’s athletic focus?