BALTIMORE — Less than a week into Luis Robert Jr.’s Orioles career, the 29-year-old outfielder has hit the injured list.
Baltimore placed Robert on the 10-day IL with left hamstring discomfort prior to Sunday’s series finale vs. Boston at Camden Yards. The move was retroactive to Saturday, as Robert had not appeared in a game since Friday.
Right-hander Anthony Nunez was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk as the corresponding transaction. Earlier in the day, the O’s had already recalled outfielder Rece Hinds from Triple-A and designated righty Albert Suárez for assignment.
The right-handed-hitting Hinds started in left field and batted sixth in the Orioles’ lineup with left-hander Payton Tolle sent to the mound for the Red Sox.
This is the second time Robert has hit the IL this season, as he was previously sidelined from April 27-July 20 due to a lumbar spine disc herniation.
If Robert does not return before Sept. 27 (the final day of the regular season), it’s possible he won’t play for the O’s again. He has a $20 million team option for 2027, but that can be bought out for $2 million.
Hinds, 26, could get an opportunity to start against left-handed pitchers in Robert’s absence. A second-round Draft pick of the Reds in 2019, Hinds was traded to the Marlins on May 21, then got dealt to the O’s on Aug. 3 in exchange for cash considerations.
In 13 MLB games between Cincinnati and Miami this season, Hinds hit .114 with three doubles and five RBIs. He is a career .169 hitter over 52 big league contests. However, he hit .268 with six doubles, two homers, 14 RBIs and an .810 OPS in 19 games for Triple-A Norfolk.
“It’s been kind of crazy,” Hinds said. “I’m just kind of getting in a little groove of things now. With the Marlins, I didn’t play as much. So getting over here, being able to play every day at Norfolk, it was kind of nice getting back in that groove.”
Hinds joined a Baltimore outfield mix that also includes Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Heston Kjerstad and Leody Taveras. Utility man Blaze Alexander has also made some recent appearances in the outfield.