The Baltimore Orioles were dealt a significant blow to their pitching rotation as Zach Eflin was placed on the 15-day injured list due to low back discomfort. This injury follows a rocky outing against Tampa Bay, where Eflin allowed four runs in just one inning. Manager Tony Mansolino indicated that Eflin is still being evaluated, making it challenging to gauge the full extent of the injury. The Orioles are already struggling with their catching depth, losing Chadwick Tromp to lower back tightness during the game against Texas, and having both Adley Rutschman and Maverick Handley unavailable due to injuries.

In response to these ailments, Gary Sánchez transitioned from designated hitter to catcher, and pitcher Trevor Rogers made an unexpected appearance in the lineup. As a result, the Orioles' starting pitching depth is further tested, with Brandon Young set to start against Texas, and Charlie Morton sidelined for a few days with elbow tendinitis. Eflin’s current season, marked by inconsistency, sees him holding a 6-5 record with a 5.95 ERA over 12 appearances, struggling notably in recent games. The Orioles, presently last in the AL East, face an uphill battle as they navigate these injuries while looking to improve their performance.

The Baltimore Orioles face a critical juncture as they search for a solution to their catching predicament. With Adley Rutschman on the injured list and Maverick Handley sidelined due to a concussion, the team is in dire need of a reliable backstop. Although Chadwick Tromp has been called up for depth, he is not viewed as a long-term solution. The organization’s hopes lie with top prospect Samuel Basallo, who is currently thriving at Triple-A Norfolk, boasting 15 home runs and a .968 OPS in 48 games.

Basallo, 20, has been identified as a potential game-changer for the Orioles, especially as the team struggles at the bottom of the standings. While MLB.com suggests promoting him soon, there are concerns regarding his defensive skills and whether it’s wise to bring him up before he’s fully developed. The Orioles must weigh the risks and rewards of pushing their top prospect too quickly into the majors against their pressing need for offensive support.

The Baltimore Orioles' catcher Maverick Handley has been placed on the 7-day concussion injured list following a collision during a game against the New York Yankees. This comes just one day after his recall from the minors to fill in for Adley Rutschman, who is sidelined with a left oblique strain. With both Handley and Rutschman out, Chadwick Tromp steps in as the primary backup to Gary Sanchez, who has also seen his share of injuries this season.

In a significant roster move, infielder Ryan Mountcastle has been placed on the 60-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain, retroactive to late May, and is expected to miss 8-12 weeks. The Orioles have been scrambling to manage their catching duties amidst these injuries, with Tromp returning after previously filling in when both Sanchez and Rutschman were on the injured list. The current situation raises questions about team depth and the performance of catchers in the Orioles' lineup.

The Atlanta Braves are exploring options for veteran catchers as they prepare for the upcoming season. According to reports, Yasmani Grandal and James McCann are both on the Braves' radar. Last season, Grandal posted a .228 batting average with nine home runs while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, known for his defensive skills. McCann, who backed up All-Star Adley Rutschman in Baltimore, also had a .228 average but hit 14 home runs in 134 games. With starting catcher Sean Murphy sidelined for a short period, the Braves must assess if either Grandal or McCann could offer more value compared to their current roster, including top prospect Drake Baldwin.

Sean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves faces a significant setback after fracturing his left rib, sidelining him for at least a month. This injury forces him out of the Braves' opening game against the San Diego Padres on March 27. Murphy, a former All-Star, had a disappointing 2024 season, where he recorded career lows in batting average (.193), on-base percentage (.284), and slugging percentage (.352).

With Murphy unavailable, the Braves will turn to Chadwick Tromp as the starting catcher, while top prospect Drake Baldwin is likely to compete for a more significant role in the near future. Baldwin impressed at the minor league level last season, hitting .276/.370/.423 with 16 home runs, ranking as CBS Sports' No. 32 prospect. Murphy's absence opens the door for Baldwin to potentially take over the starting duties if he performs well, while the team will also have to navigate the absence of key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider due to their recovery from injuries.