ST. PETERSBURG -- One of the Orioles' top offensive producers is moving one step closer to a potential return.
Samuel Basallo is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, manager Craig Albernaz announced before Saturday's game at Tropicana Field. The 21-year-old rookie catcher has been on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation since July 22 (retroactive to July 20).
On Friday, Basallo took batting practice on the field prior to Baltimore's 6-5 win over Tampa Bay. Then, he went to the O's Spring Training complex in Sarasota, Fla., on Saturday morning and took live BP against right-hander Félix Bautista, who is rehabbing from a right shoulder injury of his own.
The Orioles have been encouraged by the progress shown by Basallo, who had been throwing over the past week and hit off a tee earlier this week at Target Field in Minneapolis. It's reasonable to think the left-handed-hitting backstop could be back before the end of August, which would be a welcome return for Baltimore.
Basallo hit .241 with nine doubles, one triple, 16 home runs, 46 RBIs and a .756 OPS over 86 games before going on the IL for the first time in his young MLB career.
The O's remain in the thick of the crowded American League Wild Card race, as they ended Friday at 59-63 and only one game out of a playoff spot. If they get some injury reinforcements, it could help them make a late push up the standings and into the postseason.
In addition to Basallo, utility man Blaze Alexander (left hand fracture) continues to progress well. The 27-year-old has been taking batting practice and doing full defensive work, so he could begin a rehab assignment next week.
"Just the way, in front of our eyes, Blaze and Sammy have progressed, our medical staff has done a great job with both of those guys," Albernaz said. "Great conditioning, keeping their bodies in shape. It's been awesome to see the work they've put in behind the scenes. It's all about the player and where they're at. Everything's trending the right way. They're not feeling like they're being pushed or the urgency of it, everything is on their own terms. So, it's been awesome to see the rehab process go."