Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo was scratched from the lineup shortly before first pitch Monday with left knee discomfort that stems from a collision at the plate Sunday.

Basallo, who was scheduled to be the designated hitter Monday against the New York Yankees, made a great play Sunday when Carlos Cortes crashed into him at the plate. In the seventh inning, Basallo caught the throw from center fielder Leody Taveras and held onto the ball after the Athletics player hit him, which helped preserve a 2-1 victory.

Basallo was set to face left-hander Ryan Weathers in the opener against the Yankees. Now, infielder Coby Mayo entered the lineup as the designated hitter.

The Orioles run the risk of needing an emergency catcher tonight if anything happens to Adley Rutschman. The Orioles don’t have a backup catcher on the bench if Basallo is unavailable. Utilityman Blaze Alexander or outfielder Taylor Ward, who has catching experience, are presumably options to don the mask behind the dish if there’s an emergency.

Advertise with us

Baltimore could call on Maverick Handley if a move is required. Handley is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster. Sam Huff, who’s not on the 40-man roster, previously filled in on the roster when Rutschman dealt with an ankle injury.

Basallo has been one of Baltimore’s best hitters. He sports a .270 average and .803 on-base-plus-slugging percentage.

Baltimore also announced a roster move before the game. The Orioles selected the contract of left-hander Josh Walker and optioned right-hander Trey Gibson. To make room on the 40-man roster for Walker, Baltimore transferred outfielder Heston Kjerstad to the 60-day injured list.

That doesn’t change Kjerstad’s possible recovery timeline from his hamstring strain, as he’s still eligible to come off the injured list May 24.