Tony Mansolino just gave a Samuel Basallo answer Orioles fans can’t accept

It's been an impressive start to Samuel Basallo's Major League career, collecting 5 RBI and 3 hits in his first 10 plate appearances, but after a season where the Baltimore Orioles slow-played his debut, it feels like the team will be slow-playing his rollout into the Orioles' starting lineup. Basallo was not in the Orioles' starting lineup on Tuesday against Walker Buehler and the Boston Red Sox, and the explanation from manager Tony Mansolino is problematic.

“I do think there’s validation in these guys not getting thrown to the wolves completely here from the get go. You’ve got to kind of see the big picture, be smart, not kill them right away, just kind of weave them into it.”

It's a bit of an outdated philosophy to have when playing young players. Certainly, there was a time when caution was the approach to take when playing rookies. Being strategic with matchups, easing them into the lifestyle of a Major League Baseball player was the blueprint often followed. But, in 2025, that simply isn't a thing.

Nothing Basallo has done since making his debut would suggest that the Orioles need to be cautious with his playing time. Basallo has provided early validation of why he was on baseball's best prospects, and if we're being honest, Buehler and his ERA over 4 on the season does not feel like the rookie would have been thrown to wolves. And whispers, the moment wasn't too big for Basallo when he got the job done in extras as a pinch hitter, driving in the winning run at Fenway Park.

Orioles coach makes frustrating admission about not starting Samuel Basallo

It's bad enough that the Orioles waited until August to unlock Basallo on the Major League roster, but now that he is here, the goal should be to get him a look in any situation he could face in 2026 when he, in theory, will be a key piece to their lineup. There is no need to put handcuffs on Basallo's playing time this season, especially when the alternative, as it was on Tuesday, is starting Alex Jackson.

And, by the way, Mansolino is still carrying the interim label when it comes to his managerial duties with the Orioles. Playing your best hitters would likely increase the chances of him landing the permanent job after this season. In other words, no, there isn't a reason why Basallo should not be in the starting lineup moving forward.

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