Orioles keep Samuel Basallo out of starting lineup again as left-wrist issue lingers

Craig Albernaz said there is no disconnect in Baltimore’s approach to Samuel Basallo’s absence, as the 21-year-old catcher/designated hitter continues to work his way back from a left-wrist problem.

By The Apex Times Newsroom2 min readAI-assisted Apex article

Samuel Basallo was back in the Orioles’ mix but not in the starting lineup again Wednesday night at Camden Yards, this time against the Seattle Mariners. Basallo appeared as a reserve in consecutive games Monday and Tuesday, yet he has not started since Sunday, when he initially reported discomfort tied to his left wrist.

The Orioles have treated the situation as more than a day-to-day maintenance issue. According to the team’s report, Basallo’s wrist discomfort was later traced to a bony growth that the organization believes he has likely been carrying for some time. That matters for how the club manages his reps, because discomfort caused by a structural condition can be harder to “speed through” than a typical strain.

Craig Albernaz, speaking from the Orioles’ side of the everyday lineup decisions, framed the message internally as steady and consistent. The point was not about surprise or tension, but about maintaining continuity as Basallo works his way back into regular action at the appropriate time.

For Baltimore, Basallo’s role is particularly valuable because he can impact games in more than one way. He is built as both a catcher and a designated hitter, which gives the Orioles flexibility to cover roster needs without forcing the same player into the same demand every day. When he is not starting, Baltimore can continue shaping at-bats and defensive assignments around the rest of its catching and DH options, while keeping Basallo available off the bench.

The Mariners game continued that approach. Basallo came off the bench earlier in the week, and the organization chose to keep him out of the starting nine on Wednesday even after those appearances. In practical terms, that indicates the Orioles are still weighing comfort and readiness rather than simply trying to keep a regular starter in his usual slot.

There is also a broader baseball rhythm to consider. A player who is not starting but is still getting late-inning or matchup-based at-bats can maintain a sense of timing while limiting cumulative strain. For a catcher, or a player expected to be a catcher at other points, pitch framing, receiving demands, and batting mechanics can all influence how a wrist issue is tolerated during games.

The immediate question for the Orioles is when Basallo can return to the starting lineup without a setback. The team has already connected the discomfort to a likely long-present bony growth, which suggests the timeline could be more about managing symptoms and workload than about a short recovery window. Until Baltimore sees Basallo consistently ready to start, it is likely to keep using him in the role that best balances availability and protection.

Why It Matters

The Orioles are using a cautious approach that prioritizes Basallo’s readiness over simply restoring a usual starter role.
Basallo’s two-way lineup value (catcher/DH) makes his availability important for Baltimore’s day-to-day roster flexibility.
A wrist issue tied to bony growth can affect both swing mechanics and in-game receiving, so the timing of a return can influence later performance.
This week’s Mariners series provides another test of how Baltimore will manage its lineup options without Basallo in the starting spot.

Sources

Key Facts

Samuel Basallo, a 21-year-old catcher/designated hitter, was again out of the Orioles’ starting lineup Wednesday night at Camden Yards against the Mariners.
Basallo had not started since Sunday, the same day he reported discomfort in his left wrist.
The Orioles report that Basallo came off the bench to play in both Monday and Tuesday games.
Baltimore’s follow-up indicated the left-wrist discomfort stemmed from a bony growth that the team believes Basallo has likely had for some time.
Craig Albernaz addressed the situation from the Orioles’ perspective, describing there being no disconnect with how the team is handling Basallo’s absence.