Adley Rutschman scratched and placed on 10-day injured list as Orioles shuffle roster
BALTIMORE — adley rutschman was scratched from the Orioles’ lineup Saturday because of left ankle soreness, and the club later placed him on the 10-day injured list. The move came about two hours before the game against the San Francisco Giants, with the Orioles turning to a new catching option while they wait for his ankle to calm down. The injury news adds another immediate test for a Baltimore club that is trying to steady itself early in the season.
What changed before first pitch
Rutschman was originally in the lineup, then was pulled after the left ankle issue surfaced. The Orioles replaced him with Samuel Basallo, who had been set to serve as the designated hitter, while Ryan Mountcastle moved into the DH role. Later, the club made the larger roster move and placed adley rutschman on the 10-day injured list with left ankle inflammation.
The Orioles also selected catcher Maverick Handley from Double-A in a corresponding move. Right-hander Chayce McDermott was designated for assignment to clear space on the roster. The timeline made clear that the ankle problem was serious enough for the team to choose rest and recovery over a short-term return.
Why the injury matters now
Even a brief absence from adley rutschman would be a notable blow to Baltimore’s offense. The Orioles entered this stretch with a 6-7 record and had been outscored 55-48 by opponents, leaving little margin while they search for momentum.
Rutschman’s start this season has been a bright spot. He is batting. 294/. 385/. 471 with a 154 wRC+ in 39 plate appearances, a sharp contrast to a down 2025 season. His. 357 batting average on balls in play points to some good fortune, but he has also shown improved exit velocity and hard-hit rate.
Reactions around the lineup change
The clearest reaction came from the Orioles’ own roster decisions, which signaled caution after the scratch. The club moved quickly to protect adley rutschman rather than push him through the soreness, and the corresponding call-up showed they needed another catcher ready right away.
Rutschman’s latest setback also comes after he was limited to 90 games last season because of injuries. He hit. 220 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs in that campaign, making this year’s rebound especially important for Baltimore’s lineup shape.
What happens next
The next question is how much time the Orioles need to get adley rutschman back to full strength, and whether the 10-day injured list turns into a longer absence. For now, Baltimore has to cover behind the plate, absorb the roster shuffle, and hope the early-season production from adley rutschman can resume once the ankle is ready.
