Rutschman continues tear with oppo, go-ahead slam

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Maybe the wind caught the ball midair and helped push it out. Perhaps it would have had a bit of trouble clearing the high, deep left-field wall at Camden Yards. It also came during a Spring Training exhibition in which the results don’t matter.

It was still a go-ahead grand slam by Adley Rutschman that sent Orioles fans at Ed Smith Stadium into a frenzy during the team’s 6-4 Grapefruit League win over the Red Sox on Sunday afternoon. So it was a good feeling for the 25-year-old catcher.

“Any time that you’re able to get in a game scenario here and able to get that adrenaline going is always good,” Rutschman said. “We’re always trying to win every time we step on the field, as much as we’re trying to get our work in. We’re definitely a competitive group.”

Batting left-handed against Boston righty Ryan Miller in the fourth, Rutschman swatted the first pitch the opposite way to left field for his second homer of the spring. The first was a solo shot in a loss to the Tigers on March 2.

Experiencing his first camp in which he’s guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster, Rutschman has been on a tear at the plate, batting .333/.440/.619 with five RBIs and three runs scored in nine games. He’s 7-for-17 over his past six contests, recording a hit in all but one.

“We’ve got a great set of coaches and players and just a great bunch to talk to about everything and learn from,” Rutschman said. “It’s been feeling good, and hoping to get better.”

After an impressive 2022 rookie season, Rutschman’s results so far this spring give every indication he’s in store for a strong sophomore showing.

“Nice to see him hit the ball the other way hard,” manager Brandon Hyde said.

Rodriguez pleased with stuff despite late results

Grayson Rodriguez felt his pitches were the crispest they’ve been this spring during his start vs. the Red Sox, his third Grapefruit League outing. Early in the afternoon, that was quite evident.

Rodriguez retired nine of the first 10 Boston batters he faced, notching six strikeouts and yielding only a Niko Goodrum leadoff single in the second over the first three innings. Then, the 23-year-old right-hander struggled to locate his offerings in the fourth, when he allowed five consecutive batters to reach base (via three singles and two walks) before his departure.

With the bases loaded and no outs at the time of Rodriguez’s exit, the Red Sox pushed across two more runs that were charged to the righty’s line, which read four earned runs allowed over three-plus innings. Rodriguez said he thought the tough fourth was a product of trying too hard to throw strikes, as he was still pleased with the day overall.

“In terms of the stuff, everything feels good, feels great,” said Rodriguez, the Orioles’ No. 2 prospect and the No. 7 overall prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline. “The delivery’s been good so far. Obviously, it’s Spring Training, so none of these stats count.”

Hyde called the fourth a “good learning experience” for Rodriguez, who is battling for a spot in Baltimore’s rotation and has been a front-runner in the competition. One tough frame isn’t going to change that.

“I think it’s OK, honestly, to have those types of innings,” Hyde said. “Let’s see how he bounces back. It was his first time going back out there for the fourth inning. Try to extend him a little further next time, and like I said, hopefully he learns from that.”

Added Rutschman: “I think he’s looked good all spring. I love where he’s at right now.”

More from the game

• Jorge Mateo recorded his first multi-hit game of the spring, going 2-for-3 with a double and a pair of RBIs, his first two of Grapefruit League play. The 27-year-old shortstop is looking to produce more at the plate in 2023 after posting a .646 OPS in 150 games last season.

• Keegan Akin had another stellar relief outing, striking out three over two scoreless innings. The 27-year-old left-hander, who is competing for one of the final spots in the Orioles’ bullpen, hasn’t allowed a run in five innings over three appearances this spring.

“He’s throwing the ball as well as anybody in camp this whole time,” Hyde said. “Super aggressive, in the strike zone with everything. Love the tempo at which he’s pitching. Fastball velocity is 95 [mph]. Breaking ball’s good. He’s having a great camp so far.”