The Baltimore Orioles catcher put on a show in the Home Run Derby on Monday night and will suit up for his first MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, who was a standout at Sherwood High School and Oregon State University, has been participating in the All-Star events at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Rutschman, the No. 1 pick in the MLB Draft four years ago, has shown improvement in his second season. He achieved a batting average of .273, along with 12 home runs and 39 RBIs in the first half of the season, after coming in second place in the Rookie of the Year voting last year.
On Monday night, accompanied by his father Randy Rutschman as his pitcher, he delivered an impressive performance during the Home Run Derby (more details below). On Tuesday night, he will participate in his inaugural MLB All-Star Game.The game will commence on Tuesday at 5 p.m. Pacific time and will be broadcasted on Fox.
Let’s now examine Rutschman’s performances in the different events.
Home Run Derby
Rutschman brought an interesting twist to the Home Run Derby, even though he didn’t win. Rutschman showcased his power as a switch hitter by hitting a total of 27 home runs in the first round. During the initial round, Rutschman impressed the crowd by hitting 21 home runs left-handed. His longest left-handed homer traveled 445 feet and made it all the way to the third level of right field.
In the bonus round, Rutschman switched to hitting right-handed and managed to hit six home runs to left field within 30 seconds. He received a warm reception from the crowd. However, his performance was not enough as White Sox player Luis Robert Jr. hit 28 home runs and moved on to the next stage, making Rutschman the runner-up.
All-Star game
Oregon State alum Adley Rutschman will not be starting as the catcher in the All-Star Game on Tuesday night. Instead, that distinction goes to Jonah Heim, the talented Texas Rangers catcher who boasts a .282 batting average, 12 home runs, and 59 RBI this season. Rutschman, one of two other catchers on the American League All-Star roster alongside Salvador Perez from the Kansas City Royals, may still have a chance to showcase his skills. It is hoped that Rutschman will have the opportunity to catch for at least one inning and have an at-bat during the game. Stay tuned for updates on Rutschman’s performance in the All-Star game, which will be added to this article later on Tuesday night.
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