Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz faces an unusual dietary challenge as he recovers from a serious injury sustained during a game earlier this week. The 43-year-old first-year skipper was struck in the face by a foul line drive on Monday, resulting in a broken jaw and multiple fractures in his cheek area.
Manager Forced onto Soft Food Regimen
Albernaz revealed to reporters on Tuesday that his recovery will involve consuming pureed foods exclusively for the next six weeks. His menu includes blended carrots, apples, sweet potatoes, and occasionally a banana-orange mixture when he desires something special. "Six weeks of soft foods," Albernaz confirmed, adding that he cannot engage in any strenuous activities during this period.
Avoiding Surgery But Facing Restrictions
The manager expressed relief that he avoided both surgery and a concussion from the incident, though his recovery comes with significant limitations. One particular fracture near his orbital bone requires him to avoid blowing his nose for six weeks to prevent air from entering his eye socket. "If I blow my nose it's going to go up into my eye," Albernaz explained.
Despite the painful injury that left visible bruising on his right cheek, Albernaz maintained a positive outlook. "Ball hit me pretty flush in the cheek, but I feel good," he stated. Remarkably, he attempted to continue managing immediately after the incident, only being stopped when medical staff insisted on a CT scan.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
The accident occurred when Albernaz was seated in the dugout closest to home plate during Monday's game. A foul line drive from Baltimore infielder Jeremiah Jackson's bat struck the manager directly. Jackson immediately recognized what had happened and watched anxiously as trainers rushed to assist Albernaz.
On Tuesday, Albernaz returned to the dugout to manage his team, demonstrating his commitment despite the injury. He even addressed questions about another injured player, former first-overall pick Jackson Holliday, who suffered a setback during a minor league rehab assignment.
Manager's Determination to Continue Working
Albernaz expressed his determination to remain with the team throughout his recovery. "This is what we're here for," he declared. "We're here for the players. We have a game. I'm physically able to be here, so let's go... If my jaw was wired shut, I'd still be here."
The Fall River, Massachusetts native acknowledged that medically he should avoid arguments with umpires during his recovery, but admitted that competitive instincts might override that advice. "I think everything gets thrown out the window when that first pitch happens," he conceded.
As Albernaz navigates his unusual baby food diet and recovery restrictions, his timeline for returning to solid foods remains approximately six weeks. His dedication to managing through the pain highlights the resilience often required in professional sports leadership positions.
