Orioles Catcher Removed from Game as Precaution

Samuel Basallo left Thursday's spring training matchup with right side abdominal discomfort.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 10:13pm

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Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo was removed from Thursday's spring training game against the Detroit Tigers as a precautionary measure after experiencing right side abdominal discomfort. Basallo, 21, made a play at the plate but did not collide with the runner, though his gloved left arm got tangled with the runner's left arm during the play.

Why it matters

Basallo is a top prospect in the Orioles' farm system, so any injury concerns, even minor ones, are closely watched by the team and fans. The Orioles are hoping Basallo can contribute at the major league level in the near future, so keeping him healthy is a priority.

The details

Basallo took a relay throw and lunged to tag out Detroit's Matt Vierling, who slid headfirst toward the plate while trying to score from first base. There was no collision, but as Basallo reached and applied the tag, his gloved left arm got tangled with Vierling's left arm. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz described Basallo's removal from the game as a 'precautionary' move.

  • Basallo left Thursday's spring training matchup against the Detroit Tigers.

The players

Samuel Basallo

A 21-year-old catcher in the Baltimore Orioles' farm system who is considered a top prospect for the team.

Craig Albernaz

The manager of the Baltimore Orioles.

Matt Vierling

A player for the Detroit Tigers who was involved in the play that led to Basallo's removal from the game.

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What they’re saying

“Basallo being taken out of the game was a 'precautionary' move.”

— Craig Albernaz, Orioles Manager

What’s next

Basallo is likely to return to the Orioles' lineup this weekend.

The takeaway

The Orioles are being cautious with their top catching prospect, Samuel Basallo, after he experienced minor discomfort during a play at the plate in a spring training game. This highlights the team's focus on keeping their young talent healthy as they look to build for the future.