The Baltimore Orioles added an experienced catcher Thursday, acquiring Jake Rogers from the Detroit Tigers for minor league right-hander Zane Barnhart.
Rogers provides another option behind the plate while Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo remain on the injured list. Rutschman is dealing with inflammation in his left wrist, while a right shoulder issue has sidelined Basallo.
The 31-year-old Rogers was designated for assignment by Detroit on Tuesday. He is expected to replace either Chadwick Tromp or Yohel Pozo on Baltimore’s active roster once he reports to the club.
The Orioles have received little production from their replacement catchers. Tromp, Pozo and Sam Huff combined for two hits in 35 at-bats with 16 strikeouts since July 19. Baltimore designated Huff for assignment on Monday.
Rogers has also struggled offensively this season, batting .161 with three home runs and nine RBIs in 34 games. He has demonstrated more power in previous years, however, hitting 21 homers in 2023 and 10 in 2024.
A third-round pick by the Houston Astros in 2016, Rogers joined the Tigers the following year as part of the trade that sent Justin Verlander to Houston. He spent all six of his major league seasons with Detroit, producing 47 home runs, 138 RBIs and a .197 average over 362 games.
Barnhart, 24, was selected by Baltimore in the 17th round of the 2023 draft. He recorded a 4.05 ERA over 31 relief appearances for Double-A Chesapeake this season.
Rutschman and Basallo are expected to be re-evaluated during Baltimore’s upcoming homestand, though neither appears close to returning.
