The Baltimore Orioles had an update to share on Adley Rutschman's injury.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman has missed the last eight games due to a concussion. Rutschman was struck on the head during a game in mid-June against the Seattle Mariners, and while the issue initially appeared minor, it progressed and ultimately landed him on the 7-day concussion injured list.
This marks his second stint on the IL this year, having previously missed time with left ankle inflammation. Fortunately, after a productive day on the field working out on Saturday, the Orioles have decided he is ready to return.
The Orioles announced ahead of Sunday's series finale against the Washington Nationals that Rutschman has been officially reinstated from the 7-day concussion injured list. Catcher Sam Huff was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Moments later, the Orioles also put Rutschman right back behind the plate, a clear sign the issue is fully behind him. Given that it is a head injury, the team would not have activated him unless they were completely comfortable with his condition.
Rutschman is in the midst of a bounce-back season after an underwhelming 2025 that followed back-to-back All-Star selections in 2023 and 2024. Despite the limited playing time this year due to injuries, he has posted a .254 batting average, .329 on-base percentage, .787 OPS, eight home runs and 40 RBIs across 54 games.
He has been one of the most productive hitters in Baltimore's lineup, and he and Samuel Basallo have formed the most dangerous catching duo in MLB.
Rutschman is also here to stay. Speculation had grown throughout June about whether Baltimore would move him at the trade deadline, given the team as a whole has underperformed and Rutschman would surely fetch a significant prospect package in return.
However, president of baseball operations Mike Elias quickly shut those rumors down speaking with reporters this weekend, making it clear the Orioles have no intention of moving their franchise catcher.
With Rutschman back in the mix, Baltimore's lineup gets a lot more dangerous, especially with Basallo and Pete Alonso both heating up.
The Orioles enter Sunday's series finale against the Nationals looking to take the series.
If Rutschman can stay healthy and build on what he has done in his 54 games this year, Baltimore still has enough talent to make a meaningful push in the American League wild card race. After all, they sit just 2.5 games back of the final spot entering Sunday.
