Orioles place Rutschman on injured list with wrist injury, Basallo day-to-day; O’s-Red Sox lineups

BOSTON—For the third time this season, catcher Adley Rutschman has been placed on the injured list. This time, Rutschman’s injury is left wrist inflammation. The move is retroactive to Sunday. It’s the second time on the 10-day IL for Rutschman. The first was for left ankle inflammation, and he was also on the 7-day concussion IL.

“It’s been bothering him. He’s been dealing with it,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “We’re at the point where we had to get ahead of it, IL him, do the best course of action to get him back at full ability. Anyone who’s played the catching position, the left wrist takes a beating. That’s your glove hand.

“Him being a switch-hitter, especially hitting right-handed, that left arm, that left wrist is always on the bat. It takes an extra pounding.”

Catcher Samuel Basallo, who left Sunday’s game in Houston with right shoulder discomfort, is day-to-day, according to the manager.

“He’s dealing with it, maintaining it,” Albernaz said. “He’s feeling a little bit better today. We’re very hopeful with him. We’re going to support him and make sure he gets the treatment he needs and see where he’s at each day.”

Sam Huff will start at catcher on Monday night when the Orioles open a big series against the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox (50-48) have won 13 games in the row, and the Orioles (49-51) have won seven in a row.

The Orioles purchased the contract of catcher Chadwick Tromp from Triple-A Norfolk to serve as the second catcher while Basallo is unavailable.

“We need a third catcher for protection,” Albernaz said. “Trompy’s been outstanding for us when he’s come up. The same thing with Huff. We’re really lucky we have two really good catchers in Huffy and Trompy to come up.”

The Orioles will play with 12 pitchers and 14 position players. After Wednesday’s game, the Orioles will have an offday, and Albernaz pointed out that the starters are providing length, reducing strain on the bullpen.

To make room for Tromp on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated outfielder Rudy Martin for assignment. Martin was acquired from Kansas City on Friday for cash considerations.

Early crucial series? The Orioles’ seven-game winning streak is their longest since September 2023. Boston’s 13-game winning streak is two short of the franchise record. It’s the first time the Orioles have faced a team with a 13-game winning streak since April 25^th, 2021 when they snapped the Oakland Athletics’ streak.

“The baseball season is constantly trying to trick all of us into overreacting,” Albernaz said. “It’s a long season. It’s July 20^th right now. This is [as] big a series as it gets for a July 20^th matchup. There’s still a couple of months left in the season.

“The Red Sox are playing great baseball right now. They’ve won 13 straight. This league is extremely difficult, and we’re playing some good ball as well, but ultimately it’s the same thing that we’ve been saying since spring training, day one mentality of us showing up today and who’s ever playing and being prepared and getting out working to be ready to try to win tonight’s game.”

Albernaz pleased for Bradish: On Saturday, Kyle Bradish, who’ll start on Tuesday night, signed a five-year, $90 million extension.

“That’s something that’s well-deserved and earned,” Albernaz said. “To get that recognition and also that security, it’s awesome.

“What he brings to the table, I think we all know what he brings on the mound and how elite his stuff is and the competitor he is. He’s such a great teammate and person and he impacts everyone around him even on the day he doesn’t pitch.”

Notes: Albernaz said that first baseman/designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle, who’s on the 60-day IL with a fractured left foot, is progressing. “He should be getting in games soon,” he said. “Everything’s trending in the right way.” … Christian Encarnacion-Strand will start at third base for the second time. He was acquired on April 13th from Cincinnati for  cash considerations. “It’s exciting,” he said of his new team and how they’re playing. “I personally haven’t been in the playoffs yet, so I’m excited.”

Orioles-Red Sox lineups

Orioles

Taylor Ward-LF

Pete Alonso-1B

Gunnar Henderson-SS

Tyler O’Neill-RF

Coby Mayo-DH

Leody Taveras-CF

Jeremiah Jackson-2B

Christian Encarnacion-Strand-3B

Sam Huff-C

Shane Baz-RHP

Red Sox

Anthony Seigler-2B

Ceddanne Rafaela-CF

Wilyer Abreu-RF

Willson Contreras-1B

Masataka Yoshida-DH

Caleb Durbin-3B

Jarren Duran-LF

Connor Wong-C

Tsung-Che Cheng-SS

Payton Tolle-LHP

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