Question: Both Trevor Rogers and the Orioles have expressed the desire for a long-term deal. What’s the hold-up? From: Marc Sauri
Answer: Marc, David Lorenzo also asked this question. I know Trevor Rogers says he’s interested in returning, but I don’t know about the Orioles’ part. Craig Albernaz says he would like to see Rogers return, but he doesn’t speak for Mike Elias, and Elias doesn’t publicly negotiate.
I have written many times that I think I’d like to see Rogers return, and think it would be good for the team. I’m a bit mystified in light of the extensions given out to Shane Baz and Kyle Bradish why they haven’t concluded one with Rogers.
If they don’t sign him before the end of the World Series and he becomes a free agent, I hope there’s a qualifying offer. With the uncertain labor environment, I think there’s a decent chance he accepts it.
Question: I’m thinking this is the second time this season the Orioles have left a catcher in the game after a blow to the head who was later out on concussion protocol. Once with Adley Rutschman when he wasn’t even visited on the field, and this time with Samuel Basallo when he was attended to and was visibly “phased” and did not smile or even look like anyone was home for a couple minutes. Maybe I had a better view of him from the couch thanks to the great MASN camera work than they had on the field. Taking him out of the game wasn’t a hard call, leaving him in was inexplicable. From: Michael Passwater
Answer: Michael, Basallo was taken out an inning after he was injured, and I was wondering the same thing as you were after he was hurt, and fortunately he came out an inning after he was hurt.
Rutschman was concussed in Seattle on June 19th when he was running to first and hit by a thrown ball. He was the designated hitter and was removed immediately for a pinch-runner.
You’re referring to an incident in May 2025 when Rutschman was hit behind the plate, and the Orioles didn’t check on him, something that interim manager Tony Mansolino expressed regret over.
Fortunately, it turned out that Rutschman was not concussed at that time.
The important point, as you suggest, is that the Orioles need to be mindful of how dangerous playing with a concussion can be.
Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: [email protected]. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style