O’s Manager Craig Albernaz Returns to Cleveland with a Playful Surprise

Craig Albernaz, the first-year manager of the Baltimore Orioles, is navigating a challenging recovery after suffering a broken jaw and multiple facial fractures from a line-drive foul ball earlier this week. With bruising still visible beneath his right eye, he shared on Tuesday that he won’t require surgery, but there’s a catch: for the next six weeks, he’ll be on a baby food diet.

In a light-hearted twist, Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, a longtime friend and former colleague, decided to welcome Albernaz back to Progressive Field with a playful surprise. Ahead of Thursday’s series opener, Vogt transformed Albernaz’s visiting manager’s office into a kid-friendly space.

“He called it a gift?” Albernaz mused, a mixture of confusion and amusement evident in his expression. “That’s ironic that he said ‘a gift.’ Oh, if you guys [haven’t] seen it, I would go into my office.”

Upon entering, Albernaz was greeted by miniature furniture—his desk and chair significantly smaller than usual—and a whimsical decor featuring a “Spider-Man” shower curtain and “Bluey” themed items scattered throughout. “It’s awesome,” he remarked, clearly amused by the unexpected decor.

“Bluey,” the animated series that follows a family of dogs, has captured the hearts of many, including Albernaz, who is a father to three young children. When asked about his affinity for the show, Albernaz responded with a deadpan seriousness, “I question anyone, their life experiences and also who they are as a person if they don’t like ‘Bluey.’ Yes, ‘Bluey’ is the greatest show of all time.”

The camaraderie between Albernaz and Vogt runs deep, dating back to their time as minor-league catchers in the Tampa Bay Rays’ system from 2007 to 2012. Their relationship has been marked by mutual respect and playful banter, making Vogt’s prank a fitting tribute to their friendship.

Albernaz is already plotting his revenge on Vogt, suggesting that the visiting clubhouse manager should pack up all the quirky items in his Cleveland office and ship them to Baltimore. “He’s two-time [American League] Manager of the Year, he can get off his wallet one time,” Albernaz joked, hinting at the fun that lies ahead as their friendship continues to unfold both on and off the field.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.