Baltimore Orioles Shake Up Catching Corps, Recall Yohel Pozo and Designate Sam Huff for Assignment

The Baltimore Orioles made another roster move Monday as they continue searching for offensive production behind the plate, recalling catcher Yohel Pozo from Double-A Chesapeake while Sam Huff was designated for assignment. The move comes with both Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo sidelined by injuries, leaving the Orioles scrambling to find consistency at one of baseball’s most demanding positions.

Baltimore has received very little offense from its backup catchers since the injuries. Over the club’s previous seven games, Huff and Chadwick Tromp combined to go 1-for-24 (.042) with 14 strikeouts, forcing the front office to make a change before Monday night’s series opener against the Detroit Tigers.

Pozo Gets Another Opportunity

Pozo, 29, has spent most of the season at Double-A Chesapeake after joining the Orioles organization. A right-handed hitter with previous Major League experience, Pozo has built a reputation as a contact-oriented catcher capable of putting the ball in play while providing veteran depth.

The Orioles are hoping Pozo can stabilize the position until either Rutschman or Basallo returns. He will wear No. 79 for Baltimore.

Pozo has appeared in the Major Leagues previously with the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals, showing flashes of offensive ability throughout his professional career while continuing to hit well in the minors.

Huff’s Opportunity Ends

Huff’s latest stint with Baltimore comes to an abrupt end after struggling offensively during the Orioles’ recent stretch of games.

The 27-year-old former Texas Rangers prospect possesses tremendous raw power, but strikeouts and inconsistent contact have limited his production at the Major League level. With Baltimore needing immediate offense while remaining in the American League Wild Card race, the club elected to move in another direction.

If Huff clears waivers, he could remain in the organization as depth, but another club could also claim the power-hitting catcher.

Most Recent Statistics

Yohel Pozo

• Recalled from Double-A Chesapeake.
• Veteran catcher with previous MLB experience.
• Expected to join Chadwick Tromp as Baltimore’s catching tandem while Rutschman and Basallo recover.

Sam Huff

2026 Baltimore Orioles

• Games: 18
• Batting Average: .143
• Home Runs: 1
• RBIs: 5
• OPS: .476

What It Means for Baltimore

The Orioles are still within striking distance of an American League Wild Card berth, making every roster decision increasingly important. While Pozo is not expected to replace the offensive production of Rutschman or Basallo, Baltimore hopes he can provide more competitive at-bats and steady defense until the club’s regular catchers return.

The move also highlights how thin the Orioles’ catching depth has become after injuries to two key players. General manager Mike Elias will continue evaluating the position as the trade deadline approaches, with additional catching depth remaining a possibility if Baltimore stays in the postseason race.

MSB Analysis: This is a low-risk move that makes sense. Huff simply was not producing enough offensively, and the Orioles could not continue to carry an automatic out in the lineup while chasing a playoff spot. Pozo deserves an opportunity, and if he can provide even league-average production behind the plate until Rutschman or Basallo returns, this move could quietly help Baltimore stay in the Wild Card hunt.