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**Summary:**
The Baltimore Orioles are facing a severe catcher crisis due to a string of injuries. Adley Rutschman is already out, and now Gary Sanchez is headed to the injured list with a knee sprain. This has forced the Orioles to acquire catcher Alex Jackson from the Yankees for international signing bonus pool money and a player to be named later or cash considerations. Jackson’s offensive stats are poor, but he provides needed depth. To make room for Jackson on the active roster, the Orioles placed Sanchez on the injured list and transferred Jorge Mateo to the 60-day injured list. This situation highlights the Orioles’ reluctance to call up top catching prospect Samuel Basallo, despite his strong performance in Triple-A, due to concerns about his defensive abilities.
**News Article:**
**Orioles Plagued by Catcher Injuries, Acquire Alex Jackson from Yankees**
*Baltimore, MD -* The Baltimore Orioles are battling an unprecedented catcher shortage as injuries continue to mount. Following an injury to catcher Gary Sanchez, the Orioles have acquired catcher Alex Jackson from the New York Yankees in exchange for international signing bonus pool money and a player to be named later or cash considerations. Jackson, 29, is known for his solid defensive capabilities but struggles offensively, boasting a career .132/.224/.232 slash line.
Sanchez exited yesterday’s game with right knee pain. He will be placed on the injured list with a right knee sprain, leading to the need for additional depth. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Orioles transferred Jorge Mateo to the 60-day injured list.
The team’s starting catcher, Adley Rutschman, has been sidelined with an oblique strain since June 19, further complicating the situation. With backup catcher Gary Sanchez now injured, the Orioles find themselves relying on Jacob Stallings and now potentially either David Banuelos or Alex Jackson, who was added to the medical taxi squad prior to the transaction.
The catcher crisis has fueled debate about the organization’s decision not to call up top prospect Samuel Basallo. Despite Basallo’s impressive offensive performance in Triple-A (.253/.372/.547 with 16 home runs), concerns about his defense behind the plate appear to be keeping him in the minors. General Manager Mike Elias has expressed hope that Basallo will play in the majors this year, but no timeline has been given for his potential arrival.
The Orioles will hope that Jackson or Banuelos can provide reliable catching while they wait for their injured players to return and weigh the options for their long-term catching plans.
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