Since returning from the injured list, Gary Sánchez has done nothing but produce for Baltimore

Adley Rutschman’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Orioles.

Rutschman, heating up in the month of June, was a catalyst for Baltimore’s improved record over the last month-plus.

The catcher hit over .300 with an OPS close to .900 in the month, helping the O’s crawl back into the playoff picture.

He was a fixture in the lineup more often than not, batting second as a switch-hitter and providing some flexibility for interim manager Tony Mansolino.

His trip to the injured list, though, has thrust Gary Sánchez into the spotlight.

Brought in to be a backup catcher and right-handed designated hitter option, Sánchez’s role has looked much different over the last few weeks. And after a slow start to the season, the catcher has done nothing but produce.

Sánchez’s two stretches this season couldn’t look much different. In his first dozen games of the new campaign, the longtime Yankee had just three hits in 35 plate appearances, all of which were singles. He struck out 12 times and walked just once without a hit against a left-handed pitcher.

A stint on the injured list with a wrist issue kept him out until mid-June, and Sánchez has been a different player since.

Gary Sánchez’s Orioles season has completely changed since return from Injured List

In the 11 games since his return, leading into Sunday’s rubber match against the Rays, Sánchez hit more home runs than he had hits in his first 12 games.

Four homers and a .342 batting average in those 11 contests in June with a slugging percentage close to .700.

His OPS shot up over 1.100, helping get his season total back close to .750.

It’s a bit of a return to form for Sánchez, whose OPS dipped below .700 with the Brewers last year, but who put together a solid 2023 campaign with the Mets and Padres.

While Sánchez’s defensive metrics haven’t looked great this season, you couldn’t ask for much more offensively, especially in a stretch that doesn’t include Rutschman or Maverick Handley.

His defense has never been his calling card.

The Orioles catching situation is still a murky one without Rutschman. Jacob Stallings’ addition to Triple-A Norfolk provides another depth option, and Chadwick Tromp has been praised for his defensive ability behind the dish.

They each provide some solid backup options, as a primary catcher still needs a day off behind the plate a few times a week. Sánchez has been called upon to lead the unit, and he’s answered.