Rutschman gets Class A promotion

ANAHEIM – The Adley Rutschman show is about to hit Maryland.

After a week of getting his feet wet in Rookie League, the Orioles are moving this year’s No.1 overall Draft pick to Class A Short Season Aberdeen this weekend, and thus, begin his climb up their system ranks in earnest. The Orioles are targeting Saturday for Rutschman’s debut with the IronBirds.

The IronBirds are home this weekend for a three-game set against Hudson Valley, but then leave for a mid-week road trip at Mahoning Valley before hosting Vermont next weekend. Either way, it won’t be long until Rutschman joins Kyle Stowers, Joseph Ortiz, Maverick Handley and several other 2019 draftees with the IronBirds.

He’ll do so having caught two and appearing in five total games in the Gulf Coast League, which is typically for prospects much younger and less polished than Rutschman. More than anything, the Orioles hoped beginning him there would help smoothen the transition for a player who went six weeks in between games earlier this summer, and will have to play under a more significant spotlight than most.

Prior to his pro debut last Saturday, Rutschman hadn’t played since June 1, two days before the Orioles made him their second top overall selection in franchise history. Rutschman, who signed a record $8.1 million bonus, also had his pro debut delayed due to mononucleosis. He went 3-for-11 with a walk, stolen base and home run over his first four games in rookie ball, with the homer coming in his third professional at bat.