Orioles Place Handley on IL, Promote Tromp \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Orioles placed catcher Maverick Handley on the 7-day concussion IL after a home plate collision. Baltimore promoted Chadwick Tromp and transferred Ryan Mountcastle to the 60-day IL. The team remains without All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman due to an oblique injury.
Quick Looks
- Handley placed on concussion IL following home plate collision Sunday.
- Chadwick Tromp called up from Triple-A Norfolk to fill roster spot.
- Ryan Mountcastle moved to 60-day IL with hamstring strain.
- Collision occurred vs. Yankees, involving Jazz Chisholm Jr. and DJ LeMahieu.
- Colton Cowser’s throw pulled Handley up the line, leading to impact.
- Gary Sánchez replaced Handley during Sunday’s game.
- Handley debuted April 29, injured just two months later.
- Adley Rutschman remains sidelined, recovering from oblique strain.
Deep Look
The Baltimore Orioles are dealing with a series of injuries that have significantly impacted their depth, especially behind the plate. On Monday, the club officially placed rookie catcher Maverick Handley on the 7-day concussion injured list following a violent collision at home plate during Sunday’s game against the New York Yankees.
Handley, 27, was injured in the second inning when Yankees outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. collided with him at the plate while attempting to score on a single by DJ LeMahieu. Outfielder Colton Cowser’s throw to home plate was slightly off-line, pulling Handley up the third-base path. As Handley reached across his body to field the ball, Chisholm attempted to slide inside but couldn’t avoid contact, spinning Handley around violently upon impact.
After the collision, Handley was immediately tended to by interim manager Tony Mansolino and head athletic trainer Scott Barringer. He was removed from the game as a precaution and later evaluated for a concussion. The team confirmed the diagnosis Monday, placing him on the 7-day injured list specific to concussion protocol.
Roster Moves and Catching Depth
In a corresponding move, the Orioles selected the contract of catcher Chadwick Tromp from Triple-A Norfolk. Tromp, 29, brings major league experience to Baltimore’s active roster, having previously played with the Giants and Braves. He provides a much-needed reinforcement as the Orioles navigate a catching crisis.
Additionally, infielder Ryan Mountcastle was transferred to the 60-day injured list to clear a 40-man roster spot for Tromp. Mountcastle, who has been sidelined with a strained right hamstring, has struggled to return to full strength and this move further delays his timeline.
The Orioles had already been without their star catcher Adley Rutschman, who is dealing with a left oblique strain — the first injured list stint of his big-league career. Rutschman’s absence had elevated Handley into a more prominent role behind the plate, making his injury all the more problematic for Baltimore.
The Collision and Aftermath
The play that resulted in Handley’s injury was both unfortunate and unavoidable. Chisholm was running at full speed and attempted to alter his path to avoid Handley, but contact was inevitable given the throw’s position and Handley’s movement toward the ball. The impact spun Handley around and left him visibly shaken. The Orioles substituted veteran Gary Sánchez into the game to take over catching duties.
While home plate collisions have become less frequent due to changes in MLB rules designed to protect catchers, incidents like this still occur when split-second decisions and aggressive base running intersect. The Orioles will monitor Handley’s symptoms closely under concussion protocols, which require players to meet specific benchmarks before returning to action.
Tromp’s Arrival
Chadwick Tromp now steps into a crucial role. With both Rutschman and Handley sidelined, Tromp is expected to share duties with Sánchez. Tromp brings a strong defensive presence and has been solid offensively in the minors. In Triple-A Norfolk this season, he hit for average and demonstrated good pitch-calling and receiving skills — assets that are even more valuable for a pitching staff already weathering inconsistency.
Mountcastle’s Recovery Timeline
The decision to move Ryan Mountcastle to the 60-day injured list reflects lingering concerns over his recovery from a right hamstring strain. The infielder has been sidelined since earlier this season, and while the team had hoped for a shorter timetable, Mountcastle’s continued limitations made the shift necessary. This move ensures roster flexibility and gives the team time to reassess Mountcastle’s rehab progression without pressure.
Injury Woes and Playoff Implications
The Orioles, who remain in a tight AL East race, now face a challenging stretch with two key position players out and their catching core depleted. Rutschman’s return timetable remains uncertain, and Handley’s status will depend on his response to concussion management.
With one of the league’s best offenses and a rotation that’s held up well despite key injuries, Baltimore’s depth will now be tested. Tromp and Sánchez must step up to fill the void while the club navigates upcoming games against top-tier opponents like the Texas Rangers.
The team’s ability to stay competitive during this stretch may hinge on how quickly their injured stars can return — and whether their replacements can rise to the occasion.
Orioles Place Handley
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