KANSAS CITY — The Orioles hoped a stint on the 10-day injured list would be all that was required for catcher Adley Rutschman, and it appears their hopes were answered. Baltimore activated Rutschman on Tuesday, providing the lineup with a capable reinforcement.

Rutschman landed on the 10-day injured list earlier this month because of left ankle inflammation. At the time, manager Craig Albernaz said the goal was to “nip this in the bud early” so Rutschman doesn’t have any lingering effects the rest of the year. Maintaining his health has been a focus early in the year; Baltimore has given Rutschman planned days off so he can be at his best over the course of the long season.

Rutschman scurried through the clubhouse with ample energy before Tuesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals, during which he’ll catch right-hander Shane Baz.

“Today’s a great day,” Rutschman said.

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The timing of Rutschman’s injury was unfortunate, given that he began as well as he did at the plate. Rutschman is He’s .294 with an .855 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. The lineup, which sleepwalked through much of Monday’s series-opening win against the Kansas City Royals before breaking out in extra innings, could use that bat.

“I know he’s pumped up,” shortstop Gunnar Henderson said. “It seems like he’s been cooped up in a cage for a while, but no, pumped up to have him back and have him back in the lineup.”

To make room for Rutschman, the Orioles designated catcher Sam Huff for assignment.

Without Rutschman, Samuel Basallo carried much of the load behind the plate. He showed his inexperience at times but produced perhaps the best all-around game of his career on Monday by helping navigate right-hander Kyle Bradish around ample baserunners while also driving two RBI singles, including one with two outs in the ninth inning.

After the game, Albernaz praised Basallo, telling him that his performance became the standard, and that he expects that level of play from Basallo moving forward. Still, there will be less pressure on the catcher — who’s still hitting just .167 — with Rutschman’s experience back in the order and behind the plate.

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Albernaz said Rutschman didn’t require a rehab assignment because “he did a great job of keeping his body going,” even while resting his ankle. Rutschman caught bullpen sessions last week in Cleveland to prepare for his return to the starting lineup, and he ramped up his hitting and running without missing too many days.

“With Adley, he kept on saying where his mind was and how he was feeling, so we felt very comfortable without a rehab assignment,” Albernaz said.