The Baltimore Orioles made a roster move after an injury to Adley Rutschman.
The Baltimore Orioles entered Wednesday's matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks still dealing with the fallout of losing Adley Rutschman, and the club was forced to make another roster decision to get through the week.
Rutschman was placed on the 10-day injured list this past Saturday with left ankle inflammation, an injury he sustained during the first inning of a game against the San Francisco Giants.
He felt a tweak while reaching second base on a double but played through it. The ankle swelled the following day, leading to his scratch from the lineup and eventual IL placement. It was a tough blow for a team already battling injuries across the roster.
The Orioles made a corresponding move on Wednesday to bolster the team's current catching depth. The club selected the contract of catcher Sam Huff from Triple-A Norfolk to the active roster. Nick Raquet was optioned back down to Triple-A while left-hander Jayvien Sandridge was designated for assignment.
The decision came after Samuel Basallo had caught four straight games heading into Wednesday’s. Basallo needed a day off, and with Rutschman sidelined, the Orioles needed another catcher available. Huff will serve as the backup while Rutschman recovers and could remain in that role for the duration of his IL stint.
Huff brings plenty of MLB experience. He debuted in 2020 with the Texas Rangers and spent last season with the Giants, marking his fifth year in the majors. Offensively, he has been an above-average contributor in his career, owning a .247 batting average, .301 on-base percentage and .732 OPS with 12 home runs. He is a capable depth option, but his presence on the roster underscores how disappointing Rutschman’s injury is for Baltimore.
Rutschman was off to an excellent start to the season, hitting .294 with a .385 on-base percentage, .855 OPS, two home runs and eight RBIs through 10 games. The Orioles had been giving him regular rest days early in the year to avoid exactly this type of setback, but the injury still occurred.
It is especially frustrating given that Rutschman is coming off a down year in 2025, when he played through injuries and struggled as a result. His track record, however, remains elite. He is a former two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger and one of the most important players in the organization.
For now, Baltimore will rely on Basallo and Huff to handle catching duties while hoping Rutschman’s absence is brief.