The Baltimore Orioles announced Wednesday that 22‑year‑old rookie catcher Samuel Basallo has been activated from the 10‑day injured list and placed directly into the starting lineup. Basallo will line up as the clean‑up hitter and first baseman for the series opener against the visiting New York Yankees.
Basallo was placed on the injured list on July 20 after developing right shoulder inflammation. He missed 26 games while recovering, but returned to full‑time duty this season, posting 16 home runs, 46 RBIs and a .241 batting average over 86 games.
Recent roster moves and catching depth
The activation comes shortly after the Orioles completed a major trade on August 3, sending longtime catcher Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox. The departure left a void at the catcher position, dropping the team’s offensive production at that spot from the top of the league to the bottom.
To address the gap, Baltimore has been using a two‑catcher tandem: Carlos Narvaez, acquired in the Rutschman trade, and Yohel Pozo, claimed from St. Louis in late July. Together they have logged seven hits in 48 at‑bats (.146), with one home run and seven RBIs.
Basallo’s brief rehab stint
Before rejoining the major‑league roster, Basallo appeared in two games during a short rehab assignment, going 1‑for‑9 with a double and three RBIs for Double‑A Chesapeake and Triple‑A Norfolk.
Roster adjustment
In a corresponding move, the Orioles optioned 26‑year‑old infielder Jeremiah Jackson to Norfolk. Jackson, who hit six home runs and drove in 23 runs in April, has struggled recently, going hitless in 18 August at‑bats and seeing his average dip to .226.
Jackson’s season totals stand at seven home runs and 39 RBIs over 89 games.
The Orioles hope that Basallo’s power and left‑handed bat will bolster a lineup that has struggled offensively since the Rutschman trade. Fans will be watching closely as the team seeks to rebound against a strong Yankees squad.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
