The Baltimore Orioles rolled into Sunday’s series finale in Houston carrying three catchers, bumping veteran Sam Huff up from Triple A and sending reliever Cam Sanders out, as Adley Rutschman sat with left wrist discomfort and a rare day off from the starting lineup. The club also shifted reliever Ryan Helsley to the 60-day injured list to clear a 40-man roster spot.
Per the Orioles’ official transaction log, the team selected Huff’s contract from Triple A Norfolk, optioned right-hander Cam Sanders to Norfolk and transferred Helsley to the 60-day injured list before first pitch. MLB.com lists the club’s roster entries for July 19.
Rutschman had been logging serious mileage behind the plate, with the club noting he caught all 20 innings on Friday and Saturday. He was scratched from Sunday’s lineup after taking a hit to his foot on Friday and then appearing to react awkwardly following a flyout on Saturday. As reported by WBFF’s FOX45, the Orioles opted to give him a breather while trainers take a closer look at the wrist and try to head off any further trouble. WBFF/FOX45
Basallo Exits, Huff Takes Over Behind The Plate
Samuel Basallo got the start at catcher but left in the second inning with right shoulder discomfort, and Huff handled catching duties the rest of the way. MASN noted that Basallo grimaced after a swing and reported that Baltimore brought Huff up from Norfolk to ensure experienced catching depth was on hand.
Sanders Optioned To Make Room
To free a roster spot for Huff, the Orioles optioned Sanders back to Triple A Norfolk after briefly recalling him Friday, following the club’s acquisition of the right-hander earlier in the week. The minor league transaction log for July 19 records Sanders’ option to Norfolk. MiLB.com
For now, Baltimore is choosing an extra mask over an extra late-inning arm, accepting a slightly thinner bullpen while Rutschman’s left wrist is checked out. The club plans to monitor him day to day and adjust the roster as needed, according to team transaction notes and local reporting.
