Orioles Scratch Red-Hot Samuel Basallo Due to Knee Injury
The Baltimore Orioles made red-hot DH Samuel Basallo a late scratch on Monday ahead of their series opener against the New York Yankees.
Basallo, 21, was experiencing some discomfort in his left knee stemming from a collision with Athletics right fielder Carlos Cortes during Sunday's game. Cortes was called out at the plate as Basallo was able to hang onto the ball following the thunderous collision. Basallo stayed in the game but evidently felt some discomfort when he woke up on Monday.
Leody Basallo pic.twitter.com/t1WlhklxMW
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) May 10, 2026
The injury couldn't have come at a worse time for Basallo, who was finally gaining some momentum at the plate. Over his last 15 games, Basallo was batting .382 with a pair of home runs and nine RBI. So far in his first MLB season, Basallo is slashing .270/.333/.470 with five home runs and 15 RBI. Defensively, he has been in a fairly even split between catcher and DH with Adley Rutschman.
For Monday's game against the Yankees, the Orioles slotted in infielder Coby Mayo at DH, while Rutschman will cover catching duties until Basallo can return.
Following the game on Sunday, Basallo recalled preparing himself for impact as the throw from Leody Taveras was heading to the plate. He spoke to the media through the team interpreter, Brandon Quinones:
"Any time a play happens at the plate, I'm expecting it, just so I'm ready for it. Sure enough, in that moment, it did happen, and thankfully, I was ready for it, and I was able to brace for impact."
An awesome photo of the collision at the plate between Athletics runner Carlos Cortes and Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo. (: Steve Ruark/AP)
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) May 10, 2026
You don't see many of these types of collisions anymore. pic.twitter.com/1jUc5zU2TP
As of now, Basallo's injury is not being treated as a serious one, and the young star will likely be day-to-day until he is able to return to the lineup. The Orioles have had their fair share of injury problems this season, so the hope is that Basallo will not require a stint on the IL. Basallo's next opportunity to suit up for the O's will be on Tuesday evening against the Yankees at Camden Yards.
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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 8:22 PM.