There is one questions that seems to be swirling around Birdland more than any other these days, when will we see Top Prospect Adley Rutschman?
If it wasn’t for his injury in Spring, we would have already had a full 30 games to awe about, but Adley was sidelined with a triceps injury.
As you can see, the injury happened in the middle of March, and now we sit in the Middle of May. So where did the extra weeks go without seeing Adley Rutschman behind the plate in Camden Yards? A team that is struggling with offensive productions from the two current catchers on the major league roster.
Was there some sort of setback? None, according to Orioles manager Brandon Hyde.
And with the new changes to service time manipulation, it hardly seems like this is the reason to hold Rutschman back in the minors any longer than he needs to be. What it has boiled down to is the new (and so far, improved) regime that Orioles General Manager Mike Elias, and his building block process. Elias has been known to ONLY call up players when (and only when) they are ready for the next level. Elias has also seemed to be a big fan of seeing prospects at every level before hitting the professional club (great thing for me as someone who lives next to the AAA Norfolk Tides Ballpark)
So, this is what we seem to have seen with Adley BEFORE this season started, and it set him up for a successful opening day start. The injury nixed that, but now the pot is starting to boil over the side. The organization has sent Adley on a traveling rehab show and through the levels once again as we desperately wait for his arrival. Watching him go through the levels (again) has been entertaining, but now it’s time to see him in Baltimore.
Three Things That is Keeping Adley Rutschman out of Baltimore
Well, we have to think of something right? Let’s break it down. The long-awaited prospect is set to draw a huge crowd (if he debuts in Baltimore) when he makes it to the big leagues. If history has any indication, the last time a prospect was this hyped in the Orioles organization, was another top sought after catcher in Matt Wieters. When Matt made his debut in 2009, The Orioles sold over 44,000 Tickets to a meaningless game in May against the Detroit Tigers.
How nice would it be for him to debut for a MEANINGFUL division game against the Tampa Bay Rays, just saying.
Here are a few reasons why some of the big heads are keeping Adley from already making his debut.
Adley Needs More Time Behind the Plate
For someone who is expected to step in as the organizations future star and everyday catcher, it is paramount that he actually plays every day behind the plate. During the beginning of his rehab tour Adley was primarily a Designated Hitter and has only started to see back-to-back catching duties this past week in AAA Norfolk. Although I believe this was part of the plan to ensure Rutschman was healthy to move up the ranks, it is crucial he gets comfortable doing it before coming up and managing a rotation.
Make Sure Rutschman is Truely Heathy
This is why we are in this predicament anyways, isn’t it? Adley injured his triceps on March 16th and was originally slated to be out for only 3-4 weeks. That deadline is well in the rear-view mirror and Adley still remains in the Minor Leagues, but it seems that health is NOT a factor. In an interview with MLB Pipeline reporter Sam Dykstra, Adley stated in regard to his health “We’re full go. I’m catching. It’s a full schedule.”
Slow Bat in Norfolk
Adley was stunning in Norfolk last season for the Tides (.312/.405/.490) but once he was called up back to Harbor Park during his rehab assignment this season, he initially struggled. If I was writing this article a few days ago I would say that this may still be a concern to some, but Adley has stepped up and showed the baseball world what exactly the professional circuit is missing. Adley’s numbers don’t look as pretty as one would hope so far in 11 games with the Tides (.231/.375/.462), but the production is there and waiting to break loose for the O-Birds.
On Monday night in Charlotte against the White Sox Affiliate Knights, Adley hit one out of the park.
The next night, he did the same thing. Giving the top prospect in baseball home runs in back-to-back nights.
Its hard trying to truly determine why Adley Rutschman is still in the minors and not with the club in Baltimore. The Orioles could definitely use some new blood behind the plate, and I’m sure moving up Adley would help sell tickets as well. Something that is desperately a need at OPACY.
Regardless, Adley will be up soon. How soon? Could be this week against the Rays, could be on the road, or could be May 31st when the Orioles return back to Camden to take on the Mariners. I am banking on May still for his debut. Although the wait seems almost unbearable, once he arrives, he will be an absolute joy to watch for some time in Black and Orange.
What are your Thoughts?
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About the Author
Christian Rauh is the Co-Founder of Slasher Sports and is the Host of The Rauh Report Podcast and Wake Up! with Wowie and The Kid. You Can find all his written work here.
