Orioles Prospect Weekly: Rutschman quickly closing in on MLB debut

In this week’s prospect weekly, we look at the Baltimore Orioles’ top prospect, Adley Rutschman. As rehab progresses, how soon will it be until his MLB debut?

On Tuesday afternoon, Adley Rutschman sat down with a plethora of reporters talking about the next steps and what it means to be back in Bowie. He then out and went 1-4 with a double and eventually scored two runs for the Baysox.

It’s important to note that Adley spent the better half of the season last year in Bowie, but he also finished out the 2021 season in Norfolk with the Tides. Throughout 2021 he recorded 129 hits, 23 HRs, 79 RBIs, and had a batting average of .285. If he hadn’t sustained a tricep injury, there is no doubt that he wouldn’t have been called up to start the season with the Orioles.

As a result, the Orioles have been working with the rotation of Robinson Chirinos and Anthony Bemboom. They complement each other well, but their neither are the full picture like Rutschman hopes to be.

Orioles Prospect Weekly: Rutschman quickly closing in on MLB debut

Before yesterday’s matchup in Double-A, Rutschman has been tearing up Single-A ball in Aberdeen. He went .462 while there, with three of his six hits being doubles. Their comparison between the minors and the big clubs cannot be matched, but seeing him perform well at all levels means the progress is there, and the hype is real.

It’s easy to get lost in the sauce with these offensive contributions, but let’s not forget about the fortress he has created behind home plate. In 30 chances, he has a .967 fielding percentage, only getting stolen on twice. The Orioles haven’t had this much talk about catching since the once Orioles great Matt Wieters was making his way up the MILB ladder.

It’s tough sometimes to try and not be too excited about a prospect, but with Adley, the results have been there at every step, so go ahead, be excited, and be ready to see what happens next for the top switch-hitting prospect.