BALTIMORE -- The Orioles turned one of their best defensive plays of the season during the seventh inning of Sunday's 2-1 win over the A's at Camden Yards, as Leody Taveras threw out Carlos Cortes at the plate to end the frame and preserve the club's one-run lead. Catcher Samuel Basallo made the tag (and held onto the ball) despite a collision at the plate.
However, the 21-year-old Basallo was feeling the effects of the play a day later.
Basallo was scratched from the O's lineup prior to Monday night's series-opening 3-2 win over the Yankees due to left knee discomfort. The rookie was originally set to bat sixth as the designated hitter. Instead, he was replaced by Coby Mayo, who went on to hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the seventh inning.
Manager Craig Albernaz said afterward that Basallo "is fine and will be fine," though Albernaz would not disclose whether the youngster could be in Tuesday's lineup when asked.
After Sunday's game, Basallo said he was preparing for a collision as Cortes came barreling toward the plate.
"Any time a play happens at the plate, I’m expecting it, just so I’m ready for it," Basallo said via team interpreter Brandon Quinones. "Sure enough, in that moment, it did happen, and thankfully, I was ready for it and I was able to brace for impact.”
Basallo has been among the Orioles' hottest hitters in recent weeks, which is why the left-handed-hitter had earned a start against New York southpaw Ryan Weathers on Monday. Over his past 17 games, Basallo is hitting .397 (23-for-58) with six doubles, one triple, two home runs, 11 RBIs and a 1.073 OPS.
Through the first 33 games of his first full MLB season, Basallo is hitting .270 with an .803 OPS.
The Orioles will hope Basallo's ailment does not become a long-term injury concern. They have already had 17 players spend time on the injured list this season, with 12 currently on the IL.
Baltimore is aiming to get closer to full strength following its 19-23 start to the 2026 season.