BALTIMORE—The Orioles currently have three catchers on their 26-man roster — Samuel Basallo, Adley Rutschman and Sam Huff, who is starting for the second straight time on Tuesday night against the Seattle Mariners. The 28-year-old was added to the roster on Saturday.
Neither Basallo nor Rutschman is in the starting lineup. Albernaz said on Monday that Basallo has a bony growth in his left wrist that can be uncomfortable. There was no word on whether Rutschman is dealing with an injury.
Basallo pinch-hit in the eighth inning on Monday night and hit a deep fly to center field that would have been a sacrifice fly but Jackson Holliday’s run was negated because Blaze Alexander tagged from first and was thrown out before Holliday crossed the plate in a 6-3 loss. Basallo caught the ninth inning.
Manager Craig Albernaz says keeping three catchers is a possibility.
“Just like anything is on the table,” Albernaz said. “I think when we’re at our best, we have both Adley and Sammy in the lineup, and that’s a credit to both Sammy and Adley. Having a third catcher is a great safety valve for us.
“For right now, it makes the most sense, but moving forward it could be or it could not be. There’s a lot of factors that go into that. Right now, it’s definitely a benefit for us.”
Bassitt’s next steps
Starting pitcher Chris Bassitt, who’s on the 15-day injured list with lower back discomfort, has some options for treatment, according to Albernaz.
“The options whether it be medication, whether it be an injection or just resting, prehab stuff as far as muscle recovery and strengthening, stuff like that,” Albernaz said. “There’s a lot of stuff on the table that he has to figure out with himself and with the medical staff as well. “
Helsley’s live batting practice
Closer Ryan Helsley threw live betting practice on Monday. Helsley is on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.
“It went well. I felt good. I feel it was a good step forward and I made good progress,” Helsley said. “I have to talk to the staff and see what they want to do. Probably a couple of more outings and have to repeat a few more steps to make sure that we’re building a good foundation and a good base and crossing all the boxes and how I feel and how I’m bouncing back.”
Helsley said the rehab has gone well.
“I think it’s been pretty smooth, honestly,” he said. “Good progress and good progression and throwing and lifting and arm care. When you have an injury earlier in the season, you want to be a little more on the safer side. If it was September, you try to rush back a little sooner. I’ve been feeling good and making good progress. Hopefully keep trending that way.”
His return date is uncertain.
What’s going on in the minor leagues?
High-A Frederick infielder Wehiwa Aloy and left-handed pitcher Boston Bateman were named organizational minor league player and pitcher of the month for May.
Outfielder Enrique Bradfield has ended his rehab assignment with the Keys and has rejoined Triple-A Norfolk. Bradfield had a hand injury. Outfielder Douglas Hodo III has rejoined Double-A Chesapeake after his rehab assignment with Frederick.
Orioles-Mariners lineups
Orioles
Taylor Ward-DH
Gunnar Henderson-SS
Pete Alonso-1B
Colton Cowser-LF
Leody Taveras-CF
Coby Mayo-3B
Jackson Holliday-2B
Tyler O’Neill-RF
Sam Huff-C
Trevor Rogers-LHP
Mariners
Victor Robles-RF
Julio Rodríguez-CF
Randy Arozarena-LF
Josh Naylor-1B
Rob Refsnyder-DH
Patrick Wisdom-3B
Mitch Garver-C
Cole Young-SS
Ryan Bliss-2B
Logan Gilbert-RHP
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