The local media entered the home clubhouse Thursday night and noticed Pete Alonso sitting at his locker, an unusual occurrence so soon after the final out. He’s very accommodating, especially for a star player who spent his first seven major league seasons in New York, but there’s usually a wait that varies in time.

Alonso gets it. He was picked off first base in the eighth inning with the Orioles down 2-1, and he also struck out in the first inning with two runners in scoring position. He wanted to be available right away and take full responsibility.

The group was shaded toward Cameron Weston’s locker across the room, and a member of the public relations staff walked over to alert us that Alonso was ready.

Leadership shows itself in different ways, like the times that Alonso has summoned the infielders for a mound visit. Alonso can be vocal, but he also sets an example with his actions.

It doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Pete’s the same every single day, and we’ve talked about it enough where I value that,” said manager Craig Albernaz. “It comes along the same lines as the accountability piece, like he never shies away from his mistakes and owns up to it. He also wants to learn from them. That’s the biggest thing. When he does make a mistake on the field or on the basepaths, he’s quick to come up to myself or Miggy (Miguel Cairo) or JB (Jason Bourgeois) to kind of figure out what went wrong and how he can get better.

“Also, the way he handles himself postgame when he makes a mistake and he owns it with the media, with you guys. That’s a real grown-up thing to do. Obviously, his time in New York probably helped that maturation process, but for young players to see that, that’s how a leader can lead without being that loud voice. That’s how you lead with your actions and accountability. That’s something where, I know our guys in the clubhouse look at and value, especially young guys.

“That’s the biggest thing with young players is, this game is really hard. There’s no level above this. It’s the best of the best in the world, and you’re gonna get beaten down, you’re gonna fail. It’s all about how you bounce back and how you carry yourself in each and every day. And that’s what Pete does. Pete carries himself like a total pro, and that’s part of learning about being a major league player is, it’s not only about what you do on the field when the game starts, but it’s also, what are you doing prior to the game with your prep, with your body? What are you eating? All that little stuff. Pete’s very cognizant of all that. And also postgame, as well, handling the media, handling the results that you don’t get that you want to have. It’s a great way of leading without that loud voice.

“He also has a loud voice, too, but when you lead by example, it makes it a little easier.”

The bat is getting louder. Alonso hit his 11th home run last night.

Here are some mailbag leftovers before this afternoon’s game, after the Orioles lost last night after leading by five runs at any point for the first time since June 18, 2025 in Tampa, and by five runs through six innings since Sept. 18, 2019 against Toronto.

Without having Albert Suárez here, who is most likely to become the inning-eater/swingman in the bullpen?
Here’s my old answer: “I don’t think the Orioles have anyone who really fits that description. Keegan Akin might be the most qualified. Cameron Weston has started games in the minors this season but we don’t know how long he’s going to be around.” Now here’s my new answer: The Orioles signed Suárez to a major league contract yesterday and optioned Weston. He’s back, baby. He’s back.

Why was Orioles defense not a priority? Or did they mysteriously think their outfielders and infielders would suddenly become Gold Glovers?
Manager Craig Albernaz has talked about defense and fundamentals being a priority since the ink dried on his contract. He says players he spoke with individually brought up the importance of it. The issue, and it’s lightened up a bit of late, isn’t from a lack of work or dedication. Players can spend hours fielding grounders and fly balls, but they’ve got to execute in games. The Orioles hadn’t been taking batting practice on the field this week, but they still went through defensive drills before the opposing team was scheduled to hit.

Is Dr. Neil ElAttrache on your insurance’s preferred provider list?
He is not, but the Orioles must have him on speed dial. And it’s rarely good news when he’s involved. Some might say it’s … wait for it … fatal ElAttrache. (I’m workshopping it.)

How long a rope do they give Chris Bassitt and/or Trevor Rogers after they get Dean Kremer back and keep Brandon Young in the rotation? Have they learned anything from sticking with Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano last year?
The rope is very long. It could wrap around Lots B and C. Bassitt held the Blue Jays to one run in six innings Thursday night, and his ERA is 4.01 since April 17. He’s trending in the right direction and he’s very important to this rotation. You don’t need me reviewing Rogers’ 2025 season, other than the reminder that he finished with a 1.81 ERA and was named Most Valuable Oriole. He can’t be optioned without his approval and the Orioles are going to give him plenty of time to work through his issues. Check him out for six innings last night. (Yes, I know, this question was submitted earlier.) Morton was 41 when the Orioles signed him. It was easier to conclude that he might be done.

Has Keegan Akin worn out his very long welcome, or do they just expect him to work through his many current struggles?
Akin’s been fighting to lower his ERA since being charged with six runs in the ninth inning in his first appearance. It’s harder to shave a 54.00 ERA than a rabid coyote. Trust me, I’ve tried. He got it down to 8.22 before another six-run disaster in D.C. The 1 1/3 scoreless innings Wednesday were encouraging, and he retired his two batters last night to strand a runner. Akin can’t be optioned without his approval based on service time and he fills multiple roles, including opener, so there’s no rush to replace him.

How is Samuel Basallo supposed to be confident in hitting lefties when he gets put on the bench against them so often? He still has a decent amount of swing and miss in his bat and needs all the at-bats he can get.
This is an opportunity to rest Basallo, who’s 21 years old and has an injury history in the minors. He’s going to play against right-handers and, coincidentally, he caught last night with the Blue Jays using left-hander Adam Macko as an opener. And he singled off Macko. Of course, a right-hander followed, but let’s not quibble. Basallo isn’t in a strict platoon, but he won’t be in the lineup every night. That’s a sure way to wear him down, no matter his age and size. Same goes for Adley Rutschman. He’s going to sit on occasion. Catching is such a demanding position. And the Orioles are scarred from all of their injuries, so to speak.

If the Orioles were a girl band, would they most likely be Bananarama, The Bangles, The Go Go’s, or The Runaways?
Hopefully not TLC – The Last-Place Club. (I’m workshopping that one, as well.)

Are the Orioles aware that their all-righty lineups against lefties don’t work?
They have the data at their fingertips. They also sprinkle in lefties like Gunnar Henderson, so it isn’t “all” right-handed. Jackson Holliday is showing up lately. But back to your question: They know the results.

Will the O’s be a truly contending team this year? Really?
Despite the many issues this season, the Orioles began last night two games out of the Wild Card. Ryan Helsley will return to the bullpen. Dean Kremer will return to the rotation. Dylan Beavers will return to the outfield. (These are all assumptions.) The league is marinating in mediocrity. I think they’re going to be in the race, and not for the first draft pick. Samuel Basallo and Jackson Holliday reminded us last night what they can bring to this lineup. Pete Alonso got hot this month. The rotation has done a 180. Let’s see what happens.

How do we keep getting away with passing Albert Suárez through waivers? Does no one want him?
Apparently not or he’d be claimed. Age could be a factor. Not having options, though that doesn’t stop other relievers from finding jobs. Walks almost as many batters as he strikes out? Maybe he gives off an “I wanna stay with the Orioles” vibe.

Was Albert Suárez actually angry about bouncing up and down between Baltimore and Norfolk?
Not at all. He understands the business. The Orioles have been transparent with him. Also, it takes a lot to make Suárez mad. He competes on the mound but he’s a gentle soul.

What does Suárez do around town when he’s waiting to be added to the roster again? Any truth to the rumor that he’s the man behind Al’s Seafood?
No. He has an apartment in Baltimore. Probably goes to his favorite restaurants, maybe takes in a movie, does some throwing to keep his arm in shape. He’s available to assist the grounds crew with Nicole Sherry gone. There’s more than one mascot. Maybe he’s the reason why Mustard was winless. He doesn’t strike me as a particularly fast runner.

Seems like there have been more baserunning blunders this year than in the past. (Case in point Alonso). Is this real or is this only make-believe?
Baserunning blunders aren’t confined to pickoffs, but Alonso’s was the sixth by the Orioles this season. The 2008 Orioles were picked off 12 times, one more than last year’s team, per STATS. Again, this doesn’t include the other ways of running into outs. The Orioles need to slow the pace.

Are monarch butterflies destined for extinction, or can their population still recover before it is too late?
This seems like a good place to stop.