Rutschman hits the IL with oblique strain for second time this season 

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles’ injury-plagued 2025 season will now feature a second trip to the injured list for franchise catcher Adley Rutschman.

Baltimore placed Rutschman -- who was diagnosed with a low-grade right oblique strain -- on the 10-day IL prior to Thursday night’s series opener vs. Houston at Camden Yards, a move retroactive to Monday. It marks the second IL stint of the 27-year-old’s four-year MLB career after he was sidelined by a left oblique strain from June 20-July 28.

The O’s recalled outfielder Daniel Johnson from Triple-A Norfolk to take Rutschman’s place on the active roster.

Rutschman experienced right abdominal discomfort on Tuesday, when he was scratched from the Orioles’ lineup ahead of the finale of their two-game set vs. the Red Sox at Fenway Park. He began to feel soreness during his pregame routine in the batting cage.

Interim manager Tony Mansolino was not ready to put a timetable on a potential return for Rutschman with only 5 1/2 weeks remaining in the season.

“Hard to speculate on that,” Mansolino said. “My understanding is that it is low grade, it’s very mild. So knowing Adley, how I know him, he’s going to do everything he can to get back and play at some point this year. I don’t think he’ll pack it in and shut it down.

“Now if the injury is bad enough, then so be it. But we’re hopeful, optimistic that there’s a possibility we will see him again.”

Rutschman’s offensive production has been down this season, as the 2019 No. 1 overall Draft pick and former top prospect is hitting .227 with 16 doubles, one triple, nine home runs, 29 RBIs and a .683 OPS over 85 games. Rutschman also hit .227 with seven doubles, one homer, nine RBIs and a .657 OPS in 17 games since returning from his previous oblique injury.

Baltimore has had 27 players go on the IL this season, with five having multiple stints. Twelve are currently on the injured list, but the O’s are optimistic that infielder Jordan Westburg (who is day to day right ankle discomfort) will avoid joining that group and return to the lineup soon.

With Rutschman sidelined, Samuel Basallo (the Orioles’ No. 1 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 8 overall) will serve as the club’s primary catcher moving forward. Alex Jackson -- who was operating as the third catcher behind Rutschman and Basallo -- will be the backup.

Basallo has only been in the big leagues since Sunday, when the 21-year-old made his MLB debut at Daikin Park in Houston. He went 3-for-10 (.300) with one double and five RBIs over his first three games and made his catching debut on Monday at Fenway Park. Basallo was back behind the plate for Thursday’s opener vs. the Astros.

Mansolino said he expects Basallo to catch about five or six times during this eight-game homestand featuring four-game series against the Astros and Red Sox. It’s still possible Basallo will get a start at designated hitter and/or first base during that time, though his catching workload will increase in Rutschman’s stead.

Basallo now has a great opportunity to showcase his improved defensive skills. The 6-foot-4 slugger’s best tool is his bat, while his catching was an area he developed in the upper levels of the Minor Leagues in recent years.

It hasn’t taken long for Basallo to get comfortable in the Majors. He made his Camden Yards debut on Thursday, and before the game, he met with a large contingent of local media -- and he did the interview in English after previously utilizing team interpreter Brandon Quinones up to this point in his brief MLB career.

“I just feel great. Great to be here. Just happy to be here,” Basallo said. “Just excited and just ready to give my 100 percent every time.”