The Orioles have placed catcher Adley Rutschman on the 10-day injured list with left ankle inflammation, reports Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. The club is selecting catcher Maverick Handley from Double-A and designating right-hander Chayce McDermott for assignment in corresponding moves.

Kostka reported earlier today that Rutschman was being scratched from the Orioles’ starting lineup. It is not clear how he incurred the ankle injury, though it is severe enough that the club will give him at least 10 days to rest and recover. Even a brief absence would be a blow to the Orioles’ offense, as they currently have a 6-7 record and have been outscored 55-48 by their opponents. After a down year in 2025, Rutschman has gotten off to a hot start this year, batting .294/.385/.471 with a 154 wRC+ in 39 plate appearances. While his .357 batting average on balls in play suggests he’s benefited from good luck, he has also posted increases in exit velocity and hard-hit rate. In any case, the club would surely appreciate more of that production as they look to return to contention.

His absence will also be felt behind the plate. Rutschman’s work at catcher hasn’t been as valuable recently as it was in 2022-23, but he remains a solid option behind the dish. Statcast valued him in the 61st percentile last year for his blocking and pop time, while his framing ability was in the 76th percentile. He was off to a good start this year as well, having already accrued two framing runs in just 81 1/3 defensive innings. His backup, Samuel Basallo, is talented in his own right but hasn’t shown much defensively since debuting last year. On that basis, it’s clear that Rutschman’s production on both sides of the ball remains crucial to Baltimore’s playoff hopes.

More to come.