The Orioles decided that two rehab games were sufficient to return catcher Samuel Basallo to the active roster.

Basallo was reinstated from the injured list this afternoon after hitting with teammates and posing for the team photo. He’s playing first base and batting cleanup against Yankees right-hander Will Warren.

Utility player Jeremiah Jackson, in an 0-for-25 slump, was optioned for a second time to Triple-A Norfolk.

Basallo caught seven innings with Norfolk on Sunday and went 1-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. He played first base last night at Double-A Chesapeake and went 0-for-5.

Tonight marks Basallo’s first game with the Orioles since July 19 in Houston. He was sidelined with right shoulder inflammation.

At the time of the injury, Basallo was batting .241/.305/.450 with nine doubles, a triple, 16 home runs and 46 RBIs in 86 games. He also was playing through some discomfort in his left wrist caused by a bony growth.

“It’s nice writing Sammy’s name in the lineup. Yeah, missed him,” said manager Craig Albernaz.

“It’s good to have him back, and especially the way he attacked his rehab process. He handled it like a total pro, worked his tail off. His body’s in a really good spot. He’s moving well, very athletic, and I think he’s in the box moving better than he was in the past, which is one of those things where, really focusing on his body, getting back to being 100 percent healthy, and everything’s been outstanding. So to have Sammy back, yeah, it’s exciting for us.”

Adley Rutschman beat Basallo to the injured list before the Orioles traded him to the Red Sox at the deadline. Basallo received an eight-year, $67 million contract extension in August and is set to become the franchise catcher with Rutschman gone.

No pressure.

“We just want Sammy to be Sammy,” Albernaz said. “We don’t want him to be anything more than what he is, and Sammy has shown that he can really do some special things behind the plate.”

Jackson struck out as a pinch-hitter last night to lower his average to .226 with a .614 OPS in 89 games. He’s been in the lineup four times this month and totaled 18 at-bats.

“Every time we option or designate or release a player, it’s always tough, especially someone like J.J., what he’s done for the team,” Albernaz said. “Obviously, he hasn’t played as much as he wanted to, but he did an outstanding job in the role that he was in and handled it like a pro. But ultimately, J.J. needs to get those reps.”

Jackson will play second and third base and the outfield with Norfolk.  

The corresponding move kept three catchers on the roster, including Carlos Narváez and Yohel Pozo. The Orioles want the protection with Basallo returning from an injury and rotating from catching to first base to designated hitter.

“Allows us to be comfortable when Sammy DHs, having that security blanket of not burning the DH if something happens is the first time,” Albernaz said. “And it allows us to match up in-game, as well. If we need to hit for either Carlos or Pozo or to pinch-run for Sammy, we’re not just hamstrung with some decision-making process. So as long as we have three guys, a little more nimble in the in-game decisions, and that’s why it was hard having that conversation with J.J., too, because he’s versatile himself, especially defensively, so you kind of have to pick which one you want to go with. And ultimately, with Sammy coming off the IL, we just felt like we needed extra security.”

Basallo already has bonded with the new catchers.

“The benefit of Sammy being in the rehab process and being here with us and embedded with us is that he’s gotten to know Carlos and Pozo and be in those meetings and talk to the guys and stuff,” Albernaz said. “It’s not like he’s not been with the team and it’s the first time he’s meeting them, so they’re already cultivating that relationship. And it’s been really cool to see them kind of communicate, collaborate, see what they see, and especially with Carlos and Pozo trying to learn the pitching staff and Sammy being there to help guide them with what he’s seen and what they do best. It’s been a lot of value added.”

Blaze Alexander probably will have his left hand X-rayed one more time as he nears an injury rehab assignment and possible return to the Orioles later this month. Yesterday’s X-rays were encouraging.

“Obviously, having Sammy back is a big boost and especially getting Blaze coming right around the corner, as well,” Albernaz said. “Everything he’s been doing, he’s been feeling great, looking great.

“Everything’s healing the way it should be. To get someone like Blaze back, how dynamic he is, the versatility, the way he was swinging the bat, the way he runs the bases, it’ll be a huge boost for us. We’re excited to know he’s close, but also, we want to make sure that he’s fully back and fully healthy.”

Albernaz also reminded everyone how Alexander was playing every day before fracturing his left hand on July 12. Don’t expect a sudden shift to more of a platoon role.

“He was such a grindy at-bat, being able to hit the ball all over the field, and the defensive versatility was a big thing,” Albernaz said. “Like we talked about, the in-game moves and stuff like that, having Blaze who can play everywhere helps in that regard, as well.”

Jackson Holliday is leading off tonight, Pete Alonso remains the designated hitter, Gunnar Henderson moves up to third in the order and Coby Mayo is playing third base.

Dylan Beavers is in left field and Leody Taveras is in right, with Colton Cowser in center. Narváez is catching.

For the Orioles
Jackson Holliday 2B
Pete Alonso DH
Gunnar Henderson SS
Samuel Basallo 1B
Coby Mayo 3B
Dylan Beavers LF
Leody Taveras RF
Colton Cowser CF
Carlos Narváez C

Chris Bassitt RHP

For the Yankees
Trent Grisham CF
Ben Rice DH
Luis García Jr. 1B
Heliot Ramos LF
Jazz Chisholm Jr. 2B
Spencer Jones RF
Ryan McMahon 3B
George Lombard Jr. SS
Austin Wells C

Will Warren RHP

Utility player Carlos Sanchez, the 10th-round pick in this year’s draft, reported to Class A Delmarva.