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 right side discomfort.
Manager Craig Albernaz explained that the 21-year-old’s departure was a precautionary measure. Basallo, after a defensive play, retired on his own to the clubhouse.
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 a strong candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2026. In his debut season 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 to be Baltimore’s starting catcher, Basallo is expected to have an important role both behind the plate and as a designated hitter, as well as sporadic appearances at first base.
The Dominican signed a contract extension for eight years and 67 million dollars last August, establishing himself as a fundamental piece in the organization’s future.
