Orioles Go with Three Catchers, Select Sam Huff From Minor Leagues

The Orioles are adjusting their catching depth by selecting catcher Sam Huff from Triple-A Norfolk, bringing in an extra option behind the plate. The move came alongside the transfer of right-hander Ryan Helsley to the 60-day injured list, which cleared the necessary 40-man roster space. Right-hander Cam Sanders was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Huff on the active roster.

The decision to carry three catchers suggests Baltimore is either managing injury concerns or workload for its primary backstops, or addressing an unexpected absence in the position group. Huff's promotion from the minors provides organizational depth and a potential emergency option at a position where depth is typically limited during a season. The timing indicates the Orioles felt it necessary to add catcher depth rather than pursue alternatives.

Helsley's Extended Absence. Ryan Helsley's transfer to the 60-day IL signals the reliever faces a more significant injury timeline than a 15-day absence would allow. While the specific injury wasn't disclosed, the extended roster move suggests the Orioles are preparing for an extended period without his services. This could impact the bullpen's depth, depending on how heavily the team had relied on Helsley.

Catching Dynamics. Carrying three catchers is an unusual roster construction that typically indicates either injury precaution or recovery management for primary options. Without more detail on the circumstances, it's worth monitoring how Baltimore distributes playing time at the position and whether additional roster moves follow in the coming days.

Source: original report ↗