The Baltimore Orioles received tough news ahead of their game against the Yankees, announcing significant roster changes and injury updates impacting key players Adley Rutschman and Yennier Cano.
Adley Rutschman Sidelined Until After All-Star Break
All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman has been placed on the injured list with a mild left oblique strain. While the MRI confirmed the injury’s mild nature, the Orioles aren’t taking chances. Rutschman is not expected to return to the lineup until after the All-Star break.
This marks Rutschman’s first career stint on the injured list. Interim manager Tony Mansolino noted that Rutschman is understandably eager to play, but the medical staff advises extreme caution with oblique injuries. Pushing through a seemingly minor strain could turn a potential three-to-four-week recovery into a much longer absence, possibly up to three months. The team is prioritizing Rutschman’s long-term health.
Yennier Cano Optioned to Triple-A Norfolk
Despite striking out the side in his most recent outing, reliever Yennier Cano has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. The move was attributed to a combination of factors, including Cano’s overall performance this season and the bullpen’s need for a fresh arm and greater flexibility.
Cano, a 2023 All-Star, currently holds a 4.73 ERA and 1.388 WHIP over 32 appearances. While he had a stretch of nine scoreless outings in 10 appearances earlier this month, a recent outing against the Rays where he allowed four runs in just two-thirds of an inning highlighted his struggles with consistency. Mansolino emphasized the decision wasn’t based on recent bias from his last outing but on his performance over the last several months. The team believes the move provides Cano an opportunity to make necessary adjustments and regain his previous form.
Right-hander Yaramil Hiraldo has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to take Cano’s spot in the bullpen.
Other Injury & Roster Notes
Tyler O’Neill is resuming his rehab assignment today at High-A Aberdeen. He had previously paused his rehab due to recurring soreness in his left shoulder.
Infielder Jordan Westburg is out of today’s lineup with a sprained left index finger. The injury occurred despite him using a sliding mitt designed to protect his hand, and X-rays were negative, ruling out a fracture. His status is being monitored daily, with hopes for a return in two to three days, though it could be longer.
- The Yankees also made a bullpen move, placing right-hander Ryan Yarbrough on the 15-day injured list with a right oblique strain and recalling left-hander Jayvien Sandridge.
- Jackson Holliday 2B
- Ramón Urías 3B
- Gunnar Henderson SS
- Ryan O’Hearn 1B
- Ramón Laureano DH
- Colton Cowser LF
- Cedric Mullins CF
- Dylan Carlson RF
- Maverick Handley C
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Pre-Game Notes vs. Yankees (June 22)
The Orioles are looking to bounce back from a tough 9-0 loss to the Yankees yesterday. They hold a 3-3 record on their current road trip and have gone 14-7 in their last 21 games overall. Gunnar Henderson‘s 14-game hitting streak was snapped in yesterday’s contest.
Here’s a look at the Orioles’ lineup for today’s early game:
Dean Kremer gets the start for the Orioles. He holds a 4.80 ERA and 1.364 WHIP through 15 games (14 starts) this season. Key Yankees hitters with success against Kremer include Aaron Judge (5-for-15, 4 HR) and DJ LeMahieu (8-for-21, 2 2B).
The Yankees counter with right-hander Will Warren, who has a 4.83 ERA and 1.333 WHIP over 20 appearances (15 starts). Warren has been tougher on right-handed hitters (.208 average, .576 OPS) compared to lefties (.262 average, .780 OPS). Ramón Laureano has seen him well in limited plate appearances (2-for-2, 2 2B).
Looking ahead, the probable starters for the Orioles’ upcoming series against the Texas Rangers at Camden Yards are Trevor Rogers, Charlie Morton, followed by a pitcher yet to be announced.
