The Baltimore Orioles entered Sunday's series finale against the Houston Astros not only looking for the sweep but looking for their seventh consecutive win.
The Orioles are finally starting to stack victories and confidence is building that this group can return to the MLB playoffs this year.
If they do so, a major reason why will be the emergence of 21-year-old catcher Samuel Basallo. Alongside All-Star Adley Rutschman, the two have formed the most dangerous catching tandem in the league.
Across Basallo's first 85 games this year, he has posted a .242 batting average, .306 on-base percentage, .758 OPS, 16 home runs and 46 RBIs.
© Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
It has not been all smooth sailing for Basallo this year. He has battled multiple minor injury scares throughout the season, including a left wrist issue, right abdominal discomfort and left knee soreness.
Another injury unfortunately surfaced during Sunday's game. After just one at-bat, Basallo was replaced by Sam Huff, the Orioles' third-string catcher, behind the plate.
Shortly after his exit, the Orioles announced the reason for his departure. "Sam Huff has entered the game for the Orioles, per the MASN broadcast from my couch. Orioles say it's right shoulder discomfort for Samuel Basallo," reported Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner.
Basallo has battled past minor issues before, so it is unclear whether this time it is serious enough to force a stint on the 10-day injured list or if it is more of a day-to-day situation.
Given how important he is to this team, the Orioles will hope it is the latter. Manager Craig Albernaz will likely provide more clarity on Basallo's condition after the game.
