O's promote Rutschman to Triple-A

Baseball's top prospect is one step closer to The Show: The Orioles are promoting switch-hitting catcher Adley Rutschman to Triple-A Norfolk.

Rutschman, the top overall Draft pick in 2019, was named the new No. 1 prospect following the graduation of Wander Franco from MLB Pipeline's Top 100.

The 23-year-old phenom is hitting .271/.392/.508 with 18 homers and 55 RBIs in 80 games this season with Double-A Bowie. He leads the 12-team Double-A Northeast with 61 runs scored while also ranking among the league leaders in a number of offensive categories, including hits (80, T-5th), home runs (18, T-5th), RBIs (3rd), total bases (150, 3rd) and OPS (.901, 5th).

Rutschman has demonstrated an ability to produce in big spots for Bowie this season, hitting .360 (9-for-25) with eight runs scored, four home runs, and 11 RBIs in the ninth inning or later. He has also pounced on left-handed pitching this year, posting a .371/.494/.757 slash line against Double-A southpaws prior to his promotion.

The Oregon State product has also continued his development behind the plate and in the field this season as well, throwing out 13 of 33 would-be basestealers across a league-high 53 games at catcher while also adding a .994 fielding percentage through 20 starts at first base.

The Oregon native is a career .266/.380/.482 hitter across three levels and 117 total Minor League games since turning pro.