Adley Rutschman, the Baltimore Orioles’ catcher, is showing encouraging signs of recovery after suffering a left oblique strain on June 21 during batting practice. Now in his fourth major league season, Rutschman’s return is highly anticipated as it could significantly strengthen the Orioles’ chances of making the playoffs this year.

Rutschman was the first overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, selected out of Oregon State University, and quickly made an impact after his 2022 debut by finishing second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Over the last two seasons, he has established himself as one of the premier catchers in baseball, earning All-Star selections in both 2023 and 2024, finishing ninth in MVP voting in 2023, and winning a Silver Slugger Award for his offensive production.

This season, however, Rutschman’s performance has dipped, with a batting average of .227 and a .691 OPS through 68 games, both career lows. His injury led to his first stint on the injured list in his major league career, resulting in a challenging period for the Orioles, who currently hold a 40–49 record and sit at the bottom of the AL East, trailing the final wild-card spot by 7.5 games.

Positive Signs in Rutschman’s Rehabilitation Process

Interim Orioles manager Tony Mansolino provided an update before the team’s recent game against the New York Mets, revealing that Rutschman had taken dry swings in practice, an encouraging sign in his recovery from the oblique strain. This progress suggests that Rutschman is nearing a return, which could revitalize Baltimore’s lineup.

Impact of Rutschman’s Return on Orioles’ Playoff Push

With the Orioles struggling to climb the standings without their star catcher, Rutschman’s full recovery is critical. His presence not only strengthens the team defensively but also adds much-needed offensive firepower. The Orioles hope his return can spark a turnaround as they attempt to close the gap in the competitive AL East.