SARASOTA, Fla. — Baltimore OriolesAdley Rutschman, rookie catcher, has strained his right triceps. He is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season.
Rutschman was the top prospect in minor-league baseball and the top pick in the 2019 draft. He sustained the injury in a minor league intrasquad match.
Brandon Hyde, Orioles manager said Rutschman would take a rest for two or three weeks to prepare for his April 8 Tampa Bay opener.
Hyde said, “We’ll watch. It’s going be dependent on when the he’s willing to go.” If all goes well, he will need to be treated for a few weeks and then proceed to the next stage.
Rutschman was a Double-A Bowie player and Triple-A Norfolk player in 2021. He batted.285 with 23 runs and 85 RBI.
Baltimore didn’t commit to Rutschman beginning the season in major leagues. Mike Elias, executive vice president/general manger, stated that the team was not concerned about Rutschman being denied free agency by the Orioles. He would be kept in the minor leagues for a few more weeks.
Elias stated Monday that it had nothing to do “with rules.” “I believe if you are in major league camp, then you have a chance to break with us.”
Rutschman’s debut is likely to be delayed.
Hyde stated, “I think it is an extremely small blip (for a guy) that’s going to have a long careers.” I look forward to being out there when he is healthy. He makes us all better. We’ll see. I want him to be well.”