The Baltimore Orioles are dealing with a catching crisis after star catcher Adley Rutschman was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday due to left wrist inflammation.
The move is retroactive to Sunday, meaning Rutschman’s absence officially began the day after he wrapped up his appearance in last week’s All-Star Game — his third such selection in his career.
Through 67 games this season, Rutschman has posted a .251 batting average with eight home runs, 19 doubles, and 47 RBIs. The 28-year-old has had a difficult year health-wise, having already missed time earlier this season because of a left ankle injury and a concussion.
Rutschman was the top overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and earned American League All-Star honors in both 2023 and 2024. Over five seasons with Baltimore, he carries a .254 career batting average with 69 home runs and 277 RBIs across 572 games.
The injury news didn’t stop there for Baltimore. Backup catcher Samuel Basallo exited Sunday’s 5-2 victory over the Houston Astros with right shoulder discomfort. Manager Craig Albernaz described Basallo as “day to day” when speaking with reporters Monday. Basallo has started 44 games behind the plate this season, tallying 16 home runs and 46 RBIs in 86 total games.
With both catchers banged up, Sam Huff is set to start behind the plate for Monday’s road game against the Boston Red Sox. Huff is hitting just .154, going 4-for-26 in 10 games this season.
To bolster their catching depth, the Orioles called up Chadwick Tromp from Triple-A Norfolk. Tromp went 2-for-3 with an RBI in his one appearance with Baltimore earlier this year. The team also designated outfielder Rudy Martin Jr. for assignment to make room on the roster.
