Craig Albernaz takes a risky stance after Orioles respond to Samuel Basallo injury

The Baltimore Orioles got a bit of an injury scare when Samuel Basallo had to leave a spring training game early. It seems like Basallo should be fine but new Orioles manager Craig Albernaz went out on a bit of a limb in his initial remarks following the injury.

Basallo left the game due to abdominal discomfort but Albernaz said the move was precautionary. Albernaz even said that Basallo could have stayed in the game but he just wanted to make sure that everything is alright.

The Orioles got an update last week. Basallo seems to be fine and should return to action soon. That's good news. But Albernaz is still in a precarious position if the injury proves to be a lingering thing and Basallo has to miss time. Fans might not trust anything that came out of the new skipper's mouth if that proves to be the case.

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz offers risky Samuel Basallo injury update

This is the time of year when caution should reign supreme. There is no point in putting Basallo back out there if there is any risk of aggravating the injury even if it is a minor one so the Orioles have to be careful.

Basallo is just 21 years old but he figures to factor into the team's plans in a big way this season. His numbers were not all that impressive during his brief big league stint last season, but the Orioles affirmed that they want him around for a long time after giving him an eight-year extension.

With catcher Adley Rutschman and first baseman Pete Alonso set to see the bulk of playing time at their respective positions, Basallo figures to see a lot of time as the designated hitter to begin the year. It's not the most ideal situation to have your backup catcher as your DH, but if he hits the Orioles will find any way to work him into the order.

The early indications are he should be fine, but Albernaz had better hope the issue does not pop up again, otherwise he may have undermined some of his own credibility before his first regular season game.