Ronny

Paulino

His homer was a solo shot, but he also walked with the bases loaded in and plated a run on a groundout. The homers on consecutive days give him five in 292 at-bats this season.

It was his second blast of the season. Paulino hasn’t stopped hitting for average as he’s still at an impressive .310 clip, but a lack of power means he isn’t helping the Pirates as much as the average would indicate. He has just 10 extra-base hits in 161 at-bats this season.

The four hits raised Paulino’s average to .310, but he still has just seven extra-base hits (one homer) in 100 at-bats for the Pirates this season. However, he won’t be in danger of losing any playing time to Humberto Cota or Ryan Doumit until that batting average starts sinking again.

Paulino hit .308 in June, but that resulted in just one homer, four runs scored, seven RBI and no steals in 78 at-bats. He already has four runs scored and four RBI in three games this month. That manager Jim Tracy keeps on playing him at least six days a week will likely result in some fatigue later this season, but he’s hitting pretty well at the moment.

He’ll likely be back to normal in the next day or two. Ronny Paulino will catch Wei-Yin Chen and bat seventh. Wieters is hitting .274/.257/.581 with six homers and 13 RBI in 70 plate appearances this season.

X-rays came back negative, but we should have a better idea regarding his status after all results are in. The 28-year-old is the favorite to serve as Baltimore’s backup catcher, but a prolonged absence could open the door for Ronny Paulino or John Hester.

Paulino, a non-roster invitee, batted .216 (8-for-37) with a homer and six RBI this spring. He’s expected to serve as Matt Wieters’ backup until Taylor Teagarden (back) comes off the disabled list.

Paulino figures to have his contract purchased within the next few days. He’s expected to serve as Matt Wieters’ backup until Taylor Teagarden comes off the DL.

Teagarden received a second epidural is his strained back last week to help speed up his rehab process, but he won’t be ready to return when eligible Tuesday. With Ronny Paulino currently in place as Matt Wieters’ primary backup, the O’s can afford to give him some extra time.

He was cleared to make room for right-hander Stu Pomeranz on the active roster. Paulino is hitting .300 (9-for-30) with a double and three RBI in nine games with the O’s this season. Luis Exposito will serve as Matt Wieters’ backup for now.