Samuel Basallo departed in the top of the ninth after a strikeout in Baltimore’s 6-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, grabbing at his shoulder. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said Basallo should be OK, though the catcher will be checked out. The victory came af
The Orioles didn’t just climb back into Saturday afternoon’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays — they did it with a late surge that left the scoreboard swinging. And then, in the middle of that momentum, catcher Samuel Basallo’s shoulder became the moment everyone watched.
Baltimore’s 6-5 win was built on a five-run ninth inning, capped off by first baseman Pete Alonso’s winning run. But in the top of the ninth, Basallo left the game after a strikeout, grabbing at his shoulder. He would have batted again if his spot in the order came up.
Craig Albernaz said Basallo should be OK. Craig Albernaz’s message was relayed by Baltimore beat reporter Jacob Calvin Meyer on X, formerly Twitter, following the game. Meyer posted that Basallo “should be OK. ” adding that Basallo would have batted again in the ninth if his spot in the order came up. and that he will get checked out.
Basallo, the rising sophomore at 21 years old, walked twice and singled before striking out to end his day. He has split time with Adley Rutschman at catcher and also serves as Baltimore’s designated hitter.
What Basallo has done this season helps explain why Saturday’s scare landed so hard for Orioles fans. In 47 games this year. he has posted a .276 batting average with nine home runs and 24 RBI — a clear jump from last year’s 31-game stint at Camden Yards. He also brings a 1.3 WAR, tied with Rutschman for the second-highest mark in franchise history behind Taylor Ward’s 1.4.
The Orioles enter the series with their place in the standings already carrying pressure: Baltimore is currently fourth in the AL East. But the 6-5 win over Toronto came with an added storyline, the feeling that Baltimore’s offense has finally woken up after an off 2025 campaign.
For Sunday’s series finale. the big question is simple: will Basallo be back in the lineup after leaving early in the ninth?. If he returns, Saturday’s shoulder grab can become a quick pause in a bigger late-game statement. If he doesn’t. Baltimore will have to recalibrate — and fast — after finding a new gear in the ninth to turn a close contest into a win.
Samuel Basallo Orioles Blue Jays Craig Albernaz Pete Alonso Adley Rutschman Camden Yards AL East shoulder injury MLB
So he just grabbed his shoulder for like 2 seconds and that’s a “scare” now??
I swear every game lately somebody’s shoulder is “checked out” and they say should be ok. Like sure, but checked by who? X-ray guy? Hope he’s fine though.
Wait he plays catcher and also DH?? That’s wild. Also why would he have batted again if his spot came up… are they saying he left before the order was done? Confusing.
Orioles been winning and then this shoulder thing happens in the 9th and you can’t help but worry it’s like… season ending vibes even if they say should be ok. And the way they mention the late surge and Pete Alonso like that’s supposed to make it better lol. Hope Basallo’s alright because they can’t afford more stuff this close to the series finale.