Baltimore’s starting catcher Adley Rutschman has been sidelined with left ankle inflammation, prompting the Orioles to place him on the 10-day injured list before Saturday’s matchup with the San Francisco Giants at home.
Originally scheduled to bat third and handle catching duties in Saturday’s contest, Rutschman was pulled from the lineup prior to first pitch. Ryan Mountcastle took his spot in the batting order, while designated hitter Samuel Basallo shifted to catcher.
To fill the roster spot, Baltimore brought up catcher Maverick Handley from their Double-A Chesapeake affiliate and moved pitcher Chayce McDermott to the designated for assignment list.
The 2019 first overall draft selection had been performing well early this season, posting a .294/.385/.471 slash line along with six doubles. Last year proved challenging for Rutschman, who landed on the injured list twice due to oblique muscle strains on both sides and appeared in just 90 games, the fewest of his career.
The two-time American League All-Star also endured offensive struggles during those limited appearances, managing only a .220 batting average and nine home runs across 322 at-bats.
Handley brings limited major league experience, having played 16 games for Baltimore last season where he collected three hits and three RBIs in 41 plate appearances.
Twenty-one-year-old prospect Basallo, considered a potential breakout player, is expected to handle the majority of catching responsibilities during Rutschman’s absence.
