Orioles likely decline option on Luis Robert Jr.

Albernaz termed the hamstring injury that put Robert on the IL as a low grade strain. The Orioles called it hamstring discomfort in making the move prior to Sunday’s game.

That explains why Robert wasn’t in the Orioles’ lineup on Saturday and Sunday. He’ll be shelved for at least a week and a half while dealing with a hamstring issue. It’s a tough break for the O’s and for fantasy managers as the dynamic 29-year-old outfielder had a chance to make a major impact down the stretch. Rece Hinds was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday to provide depth in the Orioles’ outfield.

While there haven’t been any rumblings of Robert dealing with any sort of injury, it’s interesting that he’s sitting for a second straight game, especially with a left-hander on the mound for the Red Sox. The Orioles also added another outfielder to their roster in Rece Hinds on Sunday, which could mean that Robert is dealing with a minor issue. Colton Cowser will again start in center field and bat ninth for the O’s on Sunday against Payton Tolle and the Red Sox.

The dynamic 29-year-old outfielder started and hit in the middle of the Orioles’ lineup in each of his first three games since coming over from the Mets. He’ll get a breather here though before likely returning for Sunday’s series finale. Colton Cowser will start in his place in center field and bat ninth against Red Sox’ right-hander Sonny Gray.

Robert drove in two when he doubled to right-center in the top of the third, extending Baltimore’s lead to 3-0. The outfielder was claimed off waivers from the Mets earlier this week and hit cleanup in his first game with the Orioles. Leody Taveras was on the bench Wednesday, but it’ll be worth monitoring how playing time shakes out in a four-game series against the Red Sox beginning Thursday.

This will be Robert Jr.'s first start with the Orioles since being claimed off waivers. This game is against a right-handed pitcher, and Leody Taveras has been moved to the bench with Colton Cowser in center field and Dylan Beavers in right field. This is great news for Robert Jr.'s fantasy value, and also implies that Beavers and Cowser could stay in strong-side platoon roles. With the Orioles facing three lefties against the Red Sox this weekend, Robert Jr. could be in for a nice week.

Basallo’s return comes at a fortuitous time for fantasy managers with Baltimore kicking off a three-game series at high-octane Coors Field. He’s back in the lineup after missing Sunday’s game with a hand contusion. The 22-year-old backstop’s presence at DH pushes Christian Encarnacion-Strand to the bench with Blaze Alexander getting the nod at third base. Things are only going to get more crowded with Luis Robert Jr. coming over from the Mets off waivers in the next few days.

This is a bit of a surprise. Robert is hitting well in August, slashing .267/.321/.520 with six home runs, 10 runs scored, and 11 RBI; however, the Orioles have been getting solid production from Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, and Leody Taveras in the outfield. Their DH spot has also been filled by Coby Mayo since Christian Encarnacion-Strand has emerged as the regular third baseman. Somebody who is playing well is going to be bumped from the starting lineup now, and you have to wonder if this is a sign that the Orioles plan to pick up Robert’s $20 million team option for 2027.

It’s not unusual to see clubs place expensive veterans on waivers at this time of year to see if anyone else would be willing to take on the remainder of their contract. The 29-year-old slugger has three million remaining on his contract for this season, plus a $20 million club option for the 2027 campaign with a $2 million buyout, so the claiming team would be taking on $5 million in salary if planning on declining the option.

Robert’s home run was his 10th of the year. He hit a solo shot off Chad Patrick in the sixth inning. Robert is 13-for-41 (.317) with six home runs and 11 RBI over his last 14 games. He’s hitting .232 with a .737 OPS and 23 RBI this season.