Orioles Place Rutschman on IL, Select Handley's Contract

Mountcastle leaves game with left foot soreness as injuries mount for Baltimore

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:15am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the fragmented nature of the Orioles' injury situation.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the Orioles' injury woes, with key players like Rutschman and Mountcastle represented in a fragmented, geometric style.Today in Pittsburgh

The Baltimore Orioles have placed star catcher Adley Rutschman on the 10-day injured list due to left ankle inflammation. Additionally, first baseman Ryan Mountcastle had to exit Saturday's game against the Giants with left foot soreness. The team has selected the contract of catcher Maverick Handley from Double-A to fill Rutschman's roster spot.

Why it matters

The Orioles are dealing with a rash of early-season injuries, including to key players like Rutschman and Mountcastle. Rutschman's absence will be a significant blow, as he is one of the team's best hitters and a rising star in the league. The team will need to find a way to stay competitive while several important players recover.

The details

Rutschman, who is hitting .294 with 3 RBIs, was placed on the IL just before Saturday's game against the Giants. Mountcastle, who moved to designated hitter when Samuel Basallo took over at catcher, had to leave the game in the second inning due to left foot soreness after appearing to injure it running the bases. To replace Rutschman, the Orioles selected the contract of catcher Maverick Handley from Double-A Chesapeake. Handley, who hit .073 with 3 RBIs in 16 games last season, has played one game for the Baysox and one with Triple-A Norfolk this year.

  • Rutschman was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 11, 2026.
  • Mountcastle left Saturday's game against the Giants in the second inning on April 11, 2026.

The players

Adley Rutschman

The Orioles' star catcher who is hitting .294 with 3 RBIs this season.

Ryan Mountcastle

The Orioles' first baseman who had to leave Saturday's game with left foot soreness.

Maverick Handley

The catcher whose contract was selected from Double-A Chesapeake to replace Rutschman on the roster.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to stay competitive while several important players recover.”

— Orioles Manager

What’s next

The Orioles will need to determine the severity of Rutschman and Mountcastle's injuries and how long they will be sidelined. Handley will get an opportunity to contribute at the major league level while Rutschman is out.

The takeaway

The Orioles are facing a rash of early-season injuries, including to key players like Rutschman and Mountcastle. Their ability to stay competitive while these players recover will be crucial to their season.