SARASOTA, Florida – The Baltimore Orioles raised alarms on Thursday when their Dominican catcher Samuel Basallo left the Grapefruit League game against the Tigers due to discomfort in his right side of the abdomen.
Manager Craig Albernaz explained that the 21-year-old’s departure was a precautionary measure. Basallo walked off the field on his own to the clubhouse after remaining on the field for a few moments following a defensive play.
The situation occurred during a 9-4-2 relay, when Basallo received a throw from shortstop Jeremiah Jackson after a double by Hao-Yu Lee. Despite managing to put out Matt Vierling at the plate, the catcher showed signs of pain after the play.
Basallo, ranked as the number 8 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline, is seen as one of the leading candidates for the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2026. In his debut in the Major Leagues in 2025, he batted .165, with six doubles, four home runs, 15 RBIs, and an OPS of .559 in 31 games.
Although Adley Rutschman continues as Baltimore’s starting catcher, Basallo is expected to have regular participation both behind the plate and in the designated hitter role, as well as occasional appearances at first base.
The Dominican signed an eight-year, $67 million extension last August, solidifying himself as a key piece in the organization’s future.
