The Baltimore Orioles are facing another setback as catcher Gary Sánchez is anticipated to be sidelined for eight to ten weeks due to a sprain of his right posterior cruciate ligament. This unfortunate news was shared by interim manager Tony Mansolino, with Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com reporting on the injury’s specifics and recovery timeline.
Sánchez’s absence is particularly significant, especially given his recent surge in performance. He was enjoying a hot streak, boasting a batting line of .295/.348/.574 with five home runs over his last 66 plate appearances. With regular catchers Adley Rutschman, Maverick Handley, and Chadwick Tromp also on the injured list, Sánchez’s injury marks him as the fourth catcher to join the ranks of the sidelined, adding to the Orioles’ challenging season.
This timing is particularly tough for both Sánchez and the Orioles. As he approaches free agency, his performance could have positioned him as a potential trade asset. Unfortunately, with his current condition, the Orioles will need to rely on recent acquisitions Jacob Stallings and Alex Jackson to take over catching responsibilities. Stallings, who recently signed a minor league deal after being released by the Rockies, has struggled offensively this season with a batting average of just .151 but had a strong showing last year. Jackson, a former highly-touted prospect, has faced inconsistencies in the majors, posting a problematic batting line throughout his career.
Despite the challenges ahead, this situation could also present an opportunity for Stallings and Jackson to step up and demonstrate their abilities while building rapport with the pitching staff. The Orioles may face struggles in the interim, but teamwork and resilience could pave the way for a potential turnaround as they navigate through this tough stretch.