The Orioles are beginning the non-mathematical second half of their season Friday night in Houston with multiple changes to their roster.

The position and pitching sides are impacted.

We know what’s happening with infielder/outfielder Blaze Alexander and who’s replacing him.

Alexander went on the 10-day injured list tonight with a non-displaced fracture in his left hand, the result of a 95.5 mph fastball Sunday from the Royals’ Lucas Erceg.

The club has recalled infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand from Triple-A Norfolk. He’s wearing No. 32.

Alexander emerged as one of the most important players on the team, playing six different positions, batting .312/.368/.439 in 82 games and easing the loss of third baseman Jordan Westburg to elbow surgery.

Manager Craig Albernaz called it a “gut punch” while revealing the extent of the injury.

The length of Alexander’s absence is unknown but he might not return until September. The IL move is retroactive to Monday, as if that matters.

In the meantime, Encarnacion-Strand is primarily a first baseman in the majors but he’s got heavy usage at third in the minors. He made 96 starts at first for the Reds over three seasons and 13 at third. He made 43 starts at third this year with Norfolk and nine at first.

Encarnacion-Strand, 26, was acquired from the Reds on April 13 for cash considerations. He was a prospect in Cincinnati’s system and hit .270/.328/.477 with seven doubles, 13 home runs, 37 RBIs, 14 walks and 69 strikeouts in 63 games as a rookie in 2023.

A decline over the next two seasons left Encarnacion-Strand with a .233/.275/.404 line in 128 career games. He’s walked 21 times and struck out 136.

By hitting .273/.309/.555 with 14 doubles, 17 home runs and 48 RBIs this year in 61 games with Norfolk, Encarnacion-Strand earned a shot with the Orioles as one of Alexander’s replacements at third. Coby Mayo and Jeremiah Jackson also could get starts at the corner.

The active roster has 25 players on it after left-hander Nick Raquet was optioned earlier this week. A corresponding move will be announced before first pitch on Friday.

The injured list has nine players on it.

*Dean Kremer, Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish are starting this weekend against the Astros in Houston.