Why Orioles’ Samuel Basallo isn’t playing vs. Yankees

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo was scratched from Monday night’s lineup against the New York Yankees due to left knee discomfort, according to Matt Weyrich.

“Orioles have scratched Samuel Basallo from tonight’s game against the Yankees with left knee discomfort. Coby Mayo takes his spot at DH batting sixth,” Weyrich wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Basallo, 21, was once regarded as the Orioles’ top prospect. He has played well across 33 games so far in 2026, hitting .270/.333/.470 over 126 plate appearances. Basallo has also recorded five home runs, six doubles and 15 RBI this year.

It remains to be seen if he will need to miss any further time aside from Monday night’s contest. The O’s will continue to monitor and provide updates on Samuel Basallo injury status as they are made available.

Injuries have impacted the Orioles so far during the 2026 campaign. The team has underperformed overall. They are currently just 18-23 and nine games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the American League East. The O’s are playing the New York Yankees on Monday, who are only one game behind the Rays for the lead in the AL East.

Baltimore is hoping to find more consistency soon. The O’s were expected to bounce back in 2026 following their difficult 2025 season. Injuries have clearly played a role in their underperformance. The last thing they need is another injury absence, so the O’s are certainly hopeful that Basallo will not have to miss too much time.

For now, Baltimore will focus on its game on Monday night.