The Baltimore Orioles are set to play the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday afternoon. According to Roch Kubatko of masnsports.com, the Orioles will receive a boost for the game as Gary Sanchez returns from injury.

“Gary Sánchez reinstated from IL. Maverick Handley optioned,” Kubatko wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Sanchez has been dealing with a wrist injury. The former New York Yankees two-time All-Star is currently in his first season with Baltimore. His return will help the O's, but Sanchez was struggling before getting placed on the injured list.

Through 12 games played, Sanchez has slashed .100/.200/.100 across 35 total plate appearances. The numbers are obviously far from ideal, but it also was a limited sample size. The veteran catcher, who hit more than 30 home runs twice during his time with the Yankees, features serious power prowess from the right side of the plate.

Baltimore needs all of the help it can get amid a lackluster 28-40 start to the '25 campaign. Sanchez will not save the Orioles' season, but he could help the team's offensive attack.

Article Continues Below
More Baltimore Orioles News
Aug 17, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (17) at bat during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Colton Cowser’s latest injury update will catch fans’ attentionMike Gianakos ·
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Ryan O'Hearn (32) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Sanchez
Ryan O’Hearn scratched from Orioles lineup vs. AngelsZachary Howell ·
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (30) high-fives teammates in the dugout after being relieved for against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park.
Orioles’ Grayson Rodriguez provides vague injury timelineZachary Howell ·
Baltimore Orioles catcher Gary Sanchez (99) during spring training workouts at Ed Smith Stadium.
Orioles receive surprising update on Gary Sanchez injuryZachary Howell ·
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) turns a double play on Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) in the sixth inning at Chase Field.
MLB rumors: Orioles, Diamondbacks predicted as trade deadline ‘headliners’Christopher Hennessy ·
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (30) reacts following a strikeout against the Seattle Mariners to end the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park.
Orioles get ‘hopeful’ Grayson Rodriguez injury updateZachary Howell ·

Orioles trying to build positive momentum

The Orioles and Angels will go head-to-head on Saturday afternoon at 4:05 PM EST. The teams will play again on Sunday in the series finale. Baltimore will then embark upon a seven-game road trip. Four of those games will be played against the Tampa Bay Rays with the next three coming in New York against the Yankees.

If the Orioles want to keep any chance of reaching the postseason alive, they must turn things around as soon as possible. Otherwise, the O's will likely sell at the trade deadline and begin to prepare for the 2026 campaign.

Gary Sanchez will do everything he can to give the Orioles a boost. With that being said, Baltimore needs to turn in a complete team effort in order to get back on track.