The Baltimore Orioles avoided what could have been a costly injury Tuesday night after backup catcher Yohel Pozo received encouraging medical results following an early exit against the Minnesota Twins.
Pozo left the game after taking a sharp foul tip off his left glove hand behind the plate, creating concern about Baltimore's catching depth. However, the initial diagnosis offered positive news for a club battling to stay near the top of the American League standings.
Jake Rill of MLB.com reported after the game that X-rays on Pozo's left index finger came back clean, ruling out a fracture after the painful foul tip forced him from the contest. The update means Baltimore may have avoided losing an important depth piece behind the plate.
Pozo has appeared in 28 games this season, batting .238 with three home runs and 14 RBIs over 84 at-bats. The veteran has provided valuable depth behind the plate while giving Baltimore a dependable option whenever called upon, helping stabilize the catching position throughout the season.
Keeping Pozo available is especially important as Baltimore continues its postseason push. The Orioles sit 68-52, second in the American League East and five games behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays. They are also tied with the New York Yankees for the American League's top Wild Card position.
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Had the injury resulted in a fracture, Baltimore was expected to consider recalling catcher Silas Ardoin from Triple-A Norfolk to reinforce its catching depth.
Instead, the Orioles appear to have escaped a more serious setback after Tuesday's scare. With the regular season entering its final stretch, avoiding additional injuries behind the plate could prove valuable as Baltimore looks to strengthen its playoff position.
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