Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman was held out of the starting lineup for a second straight game.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman is heading back to the injured list for the second time this season. Rutschman first landed on the injured list back in April, missing 10 games with left ankle inflammation.
Now, he is heading to the 7-day concussion injured list after getting struck in the head by an errant throw while running to first base earlier this week.
Rutschman had been held out of Baltimore's starting lineup for the second straight game ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and as a result, the Orioles decided to officially play it safe with him.
"Adley Rutschman going on 7-day concussion IL, per Craig Albernaz. Outfielder Michael Siani being added to 26-man roster," reported Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun.
Given it is a head injury, the Orioles are likely being cautious because Rutschman has continued displaying symptoms over the last two days. With him out, breakout rookie Samuel Basallo will step in behind the plate, with Chadwick Tromp also available on the taxi squad. Siani was simply added to provide depth in the outfield.
This is a frustrating development for Rutschman. Now in his fifth big-league season, the 28-year-old switch-hitting catcher has been on a tear this season, posting a .254 batting average, .329 on-base percentage, .787 OPS, eight home runs and 40 RBIs across 201 at-bats.
He is striking out at almost the same rate he is walking this year and has been a major reason Baltimore's offense has stayed productive.
Without him, the Orioles could be in an even tougher spot than they already are at 35-42. Still, it is encouraging what Rutschman has done thus far, as he was somewhat of a question mark entering this season.
It was unclear if he would ever revert back to the player he was in his first couple of years in MLB, but it is now clear that he has. He looks fully like the same player he was from 2022 to 2024, when he earned two All-Star selections and a Silver Slugger award.
It is unclear what the exact plan is for Rutschman beyond the mandatory 7-day stint, but the hope in Baltimore is that this is a short-term setback rather than the start of a longer absence for one of the team's most important players. Time is running out for the Orioles to prove that they can be a contender this season.
