BALTIMORE—For the first time since Sunday, both Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo are in the Orioles’ lineup for Thursday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners.
Rutschman, who’s the designated hitter, had a left hamstring injury. Basallo, who’s catching, has a bony growth on his left wrist.
“Yesterday, the rain cut [Rutschman’s] running short,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Today, he’s good to go. Basallo’s been looking great, a great few days of work. He’s back in the lineup catching. We’re excited to have both of our catchers in the lineup.”
Albernaz is eager to move on from the controversy surrounding Basallo’s absence, deflecting a question about it.
“Like I’ve been saying since Day One of spring training, our guys are trying to go out and compete each and every night,” Albernaz said. “That’s what we’re going to try to do, go out and win tonight. It was a great day of prep. It worked for our guys. It was a great win last night, and hopefully we can keep our roll.”
Kremer update
Starting pitcher Dean Kremer, who’s on the 60-day injured list with a strained right quadriceps mucle, threw live batting practice in Sarasota on Thursday. He threw 35 pitches in two simulated innings.
Albernaz said it went well, and he also participated in pitchers’ fielding practice.
“He’s checking the boxes right now, which is great,” Albernaz said.
What’s going on in the minor leagues? Closer Ryan Helsley pitched a scoreless inning, allowing one hit and striking out three, in his first rehab appearance. Helsley, who is on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, threw 14 pitches, 12 strikes, for Triple-A Norfolk in the Tides’ 7-0 loss to Memphis in the first game of a doubleheader.
Nestor German allowed five runs on six hits in 1 2/3 innings.
Norfolk had just three hits.
Dietrich Enns gave up five runs on four hits and four walks while retiring just two batters in the Tides’ 6-2 loss in the second game of the doubleheader. Tommy Pham homered.
Orioles-Mariners lineups
Orioles
Taylor Ward-LF
Gunnar Henderson-SS
Adley Rutschman-DH
Pete Alonso-1B
Samuel Basallo-C
Leody Taveras-RF
Colton Cowser-CF
Coby Mayo-3B
Jackson Holliday-2B
Kyle Bradish-RHP
Mariners
Cole Young-2B
Julio Rodríguez-CF
Josh Naylor-1B
Randy Arozarena-LF
Luke Raley-RF
Dominic Canzone-DH
Miles Mastrobuoni-3B
Jhonny Pereda-C
Colt Emerson-SS
Bryan Woo-RHP
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