Better safe than sorry! Albernaz dons mask, glove in dugout

BALTIMORE -- After breaking his jaw and sustaining at least seven fractures in his face on a foul ball earlier this season, Orioles manager Craig Albernaz wasn’t taking any chances following another close call Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards.

During the second inning of the O’s series finale vs. the A’s, Baltimore slugger Pete Alonso sliced a 67 mph foul liner into the first-base dugout, close to where the steps where Albernaz was standing. The 43-year-old skipper was previously struck by a ball off the bat of Jeremiah Jackson on April 13, when Albernaz missed the conclusion of a comeback win over the D-backs while taking a trip to a local hospital.

Albernaz had fun with the incident upon his return the next day -- even posing for a photo so the media could get good pictures of his bruised face -- and he did so again this time.

Once Albernaz was in the clear by avoiding Alonso’s liner, he went and grabbed a catcher’s glove, then pretended as if he was going to catch any other ball that may come his way. But that wasn’t enough protection, he decided.

Albernaz walked down to the other end of the dugout, grabbed a catcher’s mask and put it on. He then placed his hat on top of the helmet and returned to his typical spot by the steps, ready for any additional action.

Alonso grounded out to end the at-bat, and then Albernaz returned his gear to the bench.

It had to feel a bit like old times for Albernaz, who was a Minor League catcher for the Rays and Tigers from 2006-14, after playing the position at Eckerd College from 2002-05.

If the Orioles continue to hit foul liners into the dugout this frequently, then perhaps Albernaz will need to break out some of his old catching gear on a more permanent basis.