Craig Albernaz had an update on injured Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo.
The Baltimore Orioles took Monday’s series opener against the New York Yankees by a final score of 3-2. The Orioles still sit four games under .500, but it was a step in the right direction against a competitive team in their division. It was also a win they earned shorthanded.
Left-handed slugging catcher Samuel Basallo was scratched from the lineup moments before first pitch due to left knee discomfort. It was a disappointing development for Orioles fans, especially considering how well Basallo has been playing.
Over his past 21 games, the 21-year-old has posted a .352 batting average, a .395 on-base percentage, a .986 OPS, three home runs and 12 RBIs. He has fully lived up to his potential and shown exactly why the Orioles signed him to an eight-year, $67 million extension to keep him in Baltimore long-term.
After the game Orioles manager Craig Albernaz spoke with reporters and addressed Basallo’s injury. He said Basallo “is fine and will be fine” according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner.
That update proved to be accurate on Tuesday when Basallo was reinserted into the starting lineup for Game 2 against New York. His quick return is a major relief for a team that has dealt with an overwhelming number of injuries to position players this season.
Jordan Westburg, Jackson Holliday and Heston Kjerstad have yet to play a game in 2026 for the club, leaving the Orioles without three important young pieces. Losing Basallo for any extended period would have been another significant blow.
Basallo’s emergence has been one of the few constants for Baltimore during an inconsistent start to the year. Basallo made his big-league debut last year in late August. He has the ability to play both designated hitter and catcher. However, he has drawn most of his starts at DH, given that Pete Alonso is now locked into first base with Adley Rutschman taking over behind the plate most nights.
The Orioles believe they can climb back into the playoff picture, but they need their best bats available to do it. Basallo returning after just one missed game is an encouraging sign for a team that has not had many breaks on the health front.
If he continues producing at the level he has shown over the past month, he will remain one of the most important players in Baltimore’s push to get back above .500 and into contention.