Orioles' Craig Albernaz Shares Samuel Basallo Update After Blue Jays Game
The Baltimore Orioles have the best catching tandem in the big leagues in Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo. Both players have elevated the offense this year, and manager Craig Albernaz has routinely kept both in the lineup, with one of them typically handling designated hitter duties to get rest behind the plate.
It is a system that has clearly worked thus far, especially for Basallo, who entered this season looking to prove himself. Basallo was signed to an eight-year, $67 million contract extension last year, despite having played just four games in MLB before signing the deal.
Fortunately, he is living up to it thus far in his second season. Across 53 games, he has posted a .272 batting average, .337 on-base percentage, .828 OPS, nine home runs and 26 RBIs.
Unfortunately, Basallo suffered an injury during Sunday's series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Basallo was involved in a play at the plate.
He attempted to tag out Blue Jays baserunner Andres Gimenez at the plate, and not only was Gimenez safe, but on the dive attempt Basallo immediately sat up grabbing at his left wrist. He remained in the game after a brief visit from Albernaz and a trainer.
However, when he headed out for his next at-bat in the eighth inning, he swung briefly in the on-deck circle but clearly still felt some discomfort because he was pinch-hit for by Leody Taveras, effectively ending his day.
After the game, Albernaz spoke with reporters and announced an update on Basallo's condition. "Sammy is learning. He's learning a lot how to play through being nicked up. When everything is checked out and everything is fine, Sammy is learning to play through some adversity right now," Albernaz said (h/t Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner).
Samuel Basallo is fine.
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) June 7, 2026
Craig Albernaz: "Sammy is learning. He's learning a lot how to play through being nicked up. When everything is checked out and everything is fine, Sammy is learning to play through some adversity right now."
This marks the second setback of just this series alone for Basallo. On Friday, he was also removed early after experiencing upper abdominal discomfort which likely led to Albernaz's comments.
Basallo's next chance to return will come on Monday in a series opener against the Seattle Mariners.
Related: Craig Albernaz Shares Reason For Chris Bassitt's Removal From Orioles Game
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This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 4:23 PM.