Basallo, Rutschman out of Orioles’ lineup for 3rd straight game; Albernaz on Henderson; O’s-Mariners lineups

BALTIMORE—For the third straight game, catchers Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo are not in the Orioles’ starting lineup. Rutschman, who has a left hamstring injury, worked out on Wednesday afternoon but his workout was truncated due to rain.

“We’re trying to figure out what the rest of the day is going to look like,” manager Craig Albernaz said.

Basallo who has a bony growth on his left wrist, pinch-hit on Monday and Tuesday.

“Sammy’s had great work days the past couple of days, today as well,” Albernaz said. “Just doing what’s best for Sammy, long season, and he’s ready off the bench.”

Albernaz denies that there’s a “disconnect” between Basallo and him about the catcher’s playing through injuries.

“There’s no disconnect,” Albernaz said. “Me and Sammy have constant conversations. I love that Sammy’s voicing what he’s feeling. He’s voiced it to me, too. It’s one of those things where it’s like short-term pain for long-term gain. Sammy’s doing great, great work days, and he’s available off the bench.”

Albernaz emphasized that he’s making the lineup decisions.

“Everything falls on me,” he said.

Sam Huff is the starting catcher for the third straight game.

Henderson staying put in lineup

Despite shortstop Gunnar Henderson’s struggles this season, he remains in the second spot in the order. Henderson often expresses emotions on the field when he has a tough at-bat.

“Gunnar’s a very emotional player,” Albernaz said. “I think we all see that. He’s a competitor. He wants to win, and he posts every single day, and he wants to be out there.

“He wants to be with the boys and try to win, and he wants to do everything he can to win. And with Gunnar, you see the emotional outburst, but he’s  engaged in the game at all times.

“Everyone handles things differently. Everyone in there is a different individual and how they handle and process different results, different circumstances and Gunnar has one way.”

Henderson has batted first or second in every game he’s played this season.

“Gunnar is still a force at the plate,” Albernaz said. “He’s close to getting the results he wants.”

Orioles-Mariners lineups

Orioles

Taylor Ward-LF

Gunnar Henderson-SS

Pete Alonso-1B

Colton Cowser-CF

Leody Taveras-RF

Jackson Holliday-2B

Tyler O’Neill-DH

Blaze Alexander-3B

Sam Huff-C

Brandon Young-RHP

Mariners

Cole Young-SS

Julio Rodríguez-CF

Josh Naylor-1B

Randy Arozarena-LF

Luke Raley-RF

Dominic Canzone-DH

Mitch Garver-C

Miles Mastrobuoni-2B

Patrick Wisdom-3B

George Kirby-RHP

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