Orioles Catcher Samuel Basallo Exits Spring Training Game After Play at Plate

Basallo left the game due to right side abdominal discomfort after making a sweeping tag for an out.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo left a spring training game on Thursday due to right side abdominal discomfort after he made a sweeping tag for an out at the plate. Basallo, who signed an $67 million, eight-year contract with the Orioles this offseason, took a relay throw and lunged to tag out Detroit's Matt Vierling as he slid headfirst toward the plate. There was no collision, but Basallo's gloved left arm got tangled with Vierling's left arm as the runner tried to reach for the plate. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said Basallo's exit was "completely precautionary" and he doesn't expect the catcher to need any further tests.

Why it matters

Basallo is expected to get a lot of playing time for the Orioles this season, both at catcher and potentially as a designated hitter or first baseman. Any injury to the 21-year-old catcher could be a significant setback for the team as they look to build on their surprise playoff run in 2025.

The details

In the third inning, Basallo took a relay throw and lunged to tag out Detroit's Matt Vierling as he slid headfirst toward the plate. There was no collision, but as Basallo reached and applied the tag, his gloved left arm got tangled with Vierling's left arm while the runner tried to reach for the plate. Basallo appeared to land hard on his stomach, immediately grimacing in pain and reaching for his side.

  • The incident occurred in the third inning of Thursday's spring training game between the Orioles and Tigers.
  • Basallo exited the game after the play at the plate.

The players

Samuel Basallo

A 21-year-old catcher for the Baltimore Orioles who signed an $67 million, eight-year contract with the team this offseason.

Matt Vierling

A player for the Detroit Tigers who was involved in the play at the plate with Basallo.

Craig Albernaz

The manager of the Baltimore Orioles.

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What they’re saying

“It's Feb. 26, saw his reaction, goes down. To me, he could have stayed in the game, but that was me being the voice of reason to get him out of there and make sure everything was fine.”

— Craig Albernaz, Orioles Manager (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Orioles will monitor Basallo's condition and provide updates on the severity of his right side abdominal discomfort. The team will likely take a cautious approach with their young catcher during the remainder of spring training.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks that come with the physical demands of catching in baseball, especially for a young player like Basallo who is just starting his MLB career. The Orioles will need to carefully manage Basallo's workload and health in order to maximize his potential contribution to the team this season.