Facing your old team for the first time is always a unique MLB moment, but Baltimore Orioles third baseman Blaze Alexander insisted his April 13th matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks was just another game. The 26-year-old, drafted by Arizona in 2018 and traded to Baltimore in February 2026, quickly found that "business as usual" wasn't in the cards during his first at-bat against his former club.

Facing Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson, Alexander worked the count and pulled a ball to right field. A misjudgment by Corbin Carroll led to a foul ball, but not before the Orioles challenged, believing Carroll had made contact in fair territory. The call was upheld, a decision possibly influenced by limited camera angles in the outfield corner.

Given another life, Alexander stepped back in. On a full count, home plate umpire ruled catcher Adrian Del Castillo had interfered with Alexander's swing, awarding him first base. The controversial call incensed the Diamondbacks, who felt they had no time to challenge. The free pass proved costly, as Gunnar Henderson promptly drove Alexander home with a triple.

The pregame atmosphere was lighter, with a familiar face waiting for Alexander. His former teammate, James McCann—who also spent two seasons with the Orioles—playfully cornered him to collect an outstanding fantasy football debt. McCann later confirmed payment and praised Alexander's infectious energy, calling him a player who "brings a spark" and "plays the game fast."

In a twist of fate, McCann himself was featured in an Orioles pregame video tribute that same day. For the Orioles, Alexander's bizarre, run-scoring plate appearance is becoming par for the course in a young season already filled with peculiar moments.