Baltimore Orioles' depth tested once again with new injuries

The Orioles were relatively healthy in the month of June. Even without Tyler O'Neill and Ryan Mountcastle, the returns of Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, Jordan Westburg and Ramón Laureano helped the lineup feel more complete. It also moved players like Ramón Urías and Dylan Carlson back to bench roles, providing a spark when their names were in the lineup card without relying on them as everyday players.

Better health has helped give the Orioles a winning record in June, slowly but surely climbing back into the American League wild card conversation. This week, though, threw a wrench in things.

Adley Rutschman hit the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain, and Tony Mansolino announced today that the star catcher won't return until after the All-Star break, per multiple reports. The interim skipper added that Jordan Westburg, removed from Saturday's game, will hopefully only miss a few days.

Once again, Baltimore's depth will be tested. Injuries force depth pieces to play more important roles, and those deeper down the depth chart to become your new depth.

Orioles' depth players forced into new roles after Adley Rutschman, Jordan Westburg injuries

The catcher position is a prime example. Gary Sánchez, hitting well in his return from the injured list, now becomes Baltimore's primary catcher. Maverick Handley, who has struggled at the plate in his time in the big leagues, will now be asked to start in the majors a few times a week instead of Triple-A Norfolk.

Ramón Urías, a do-it-all infielder providing depth for Westburg and Jackson Holliday, will now serve as the O's primary third baseman in Westburg's absence. And without a roster move for Westy, it leaves Baltimore without many options on the infield dirt.

Even the best players in the O's lineup need a day off, especially in the midst of 16 consecutive days with a game played. Having players like Urías and Sánchez coming off the bench helps you feel a lot better about those lineup changes. While players like Handley and Dylan Carlson have performed admirably in their unexpected calls to action, they weren't Plan A for the season.

If Baltimore is going to continue to climb back into things, their depth will have to rise to the occasion.