The Baltimore Orioles have reinstated Samuel Basallo from the injured list prior to Wednesday evening’s matchup with the New York Yankees, marking the 21-year-old’s return after a shoulder ailment sidelined him since July 19.
Baltimore heads into the contest sitting just one win behind the final wild-card berth. The Orioles have posted a 12-14 record since Basallo last took the field, a stretch that followed a seven-game winning run that concluded on the very day he was placed on the shelf.
Samuel Basallo rejoins the active roster
Basallo’s comeback arrives at a critical juncture in Baltimore’s playoff chase. He has been unavailable since July 19 while working through his shoulder issue, but the Orioles now have him back in the everyday mix.
While he was recovering, Baltimore dealt away Adley Rutschman, the team’s other primary backstop. That transaction solidified Basallo as the Orioles’ top catcher moving forward, though the club also acquired Carlos Narváez in the same deal.
Narváez is set to handle catching duties against the Yankees on Wednesday, while Basallo is scheduled to play first base and Pete Alonso will take the designated hitter role.
Manager praises Basallo’s rehab effort
Skipper Craig Albernaz welcomed Basallo back and commended the young catcher’s dedication throughout his rehabilitation period.
“It’s great to have Sammy back in the lineup. We missed him,” Albernaz said. He also pointed out Basallo’s mindset during the recovery, noting that the catcher put in tremendous effort and managed the situation with maturity.
Albernaz added that Basallo’s physical condition is strong and that he is moving well now that his rehab is complete.
Basallo’s stats heading into return
Prior to his injury, Basallo was hitting .241 with 16 home runs and 46 RBIs on the season.
The 21-year-old now rejoins an Orioles squad that remains in the thick of the postseason race. Baltimore entered Wednesday just one game behind the final wild-card spot despite its 12-14 mark since Basallo went down.
Roster adjustment accompanies activation
In addition to activating Basallo, Baltimore made another corresponding move. The Orioles sent utility player Jeremiah Jackson down to Triple-A Norfolk.
Basallo’s return provides the club with its primary catcher option back as Baltimore continues its push toward October baseball.