The Baltimore Orioles offense has been inconsistent this year, but one piece that has seemingly returned to form is catcher Adley Rutschman. The 28-year-old catcher had an electric start to his MLB career, taking home two All-Star selections, earning a Silver Slugger Award and one top-10 American League MVP finish in his first three seasons.
However, in 2025, Rutschman took a major step backward. He played in just 90 games due to multiple oblique strains, and even when he was on the field he was a shell of his former self. He finished the season with a .220 batting average, .307 on base percentage, .673 OPS, nine home runs and 29 RBIs.
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Fortunately for the Orioles, Rutschman is off to a strong start this year. Through his first 10 games, he owns a .294 batting average, .385 on base percentage and .855 OPS.
He was looking to continue that hot stretch on Saturday before a game against the San Francisco Giants. Unfortunately, that will not happen.
Rutschman was removed from the lineup moments before first pitch, with Samuel Basallo taking over behind the plate and Ryan Mountcastle entering as designated hitter.
The Orioles then announced a disappointing update on Rutschman’s status. “Adley Rutschman scratched from lineup with left ankle soreness, Orioles announce,” reported Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun.
Adley Rutschman scratched from lineup with left ankle soreness, Orioles announce.
Samuel Basallo will catch. Ryan Mountcastle enters lineup as DH.
This is Rutschman’s first injury designation this season after his 2025 campaign was derailed by injuries.— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) April 11, 2026
This is especially frustrating for Baltimore, which hoped Rutschman could finally have a fully healthy year. The team has been cautious with his workload in April, giving him regular rest days, but the left ankle issue still surfaced.
Rutschman has spent his entire career in Baltimore since being selected first overall in the 2019 MLB Draft, and every setback feels magnified because he is viewed as a long term franchise cornerstone. Each injury interruption raises the concern that durability may continue to be an obstacle for him.
The only positive for the Orioles is that they have another promising option at catcher in Basallo, who would take over if Rutschman needs a stint on the injured list. Still, Baltimore will hope that is not necessary, because a healthy Rutschman remains essential to their plans this season.
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