The end of the season is shaping up to be chaotic for the Baltimore Orioles. With five games left, their chances of making the playoffs are slim.
Now their chances are even slimmer, as catcher Samuel Basallo was placed on the 7-day concussion list. The list is also retroactive to September 22.
In addition, outfielder Heston Kjerstad was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk.
On Monday, Basallo was removed from the game against the Toronto Blue Jays after a foul ball hit his catcher's mask. He underwent a concussion test shortly thereafter and failed to pass all the medical procedures.
Basallo's addition to the injured list comes as the Orioles shake things up both on the field and in the front office.
On the field, Félix Bautista recently returned from the 60-day injured list. Cade Povich and José Barrero were recently recalled. Then, Jackson Holliday and Kyle Bradish were added to the injured list.
In the front office, assistant general manager Sig Mejdal left the analytics department.
Meanwhile, the Orioles are trying their hardest to stay afloat in the postseason race. They are 76-81, last place in the American League East Division. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are 77-80.
However, the Orioles have an elimination number of one. In other words, one more loss and their chances of securing a Wild Card spot would be denied.
Altogether, they have to win all their remaining games. That includes sweeping the playoff-clinching New York Yankees at the end of the month. Plus, they need the Chicago White Sox to lose all their remaining games.
At this point, it was fun while it lasted.