BREAKING: The Baltimore Orioles have just reinstated catcher Adley Rutschman from the 10-day injured list, while closer Félix Bautista will face an extended absence due to a right shoulder injury. This urgent update comes as the team aims to recover from recent setbacks and bolster their roster.
Rutschman’s return is a significant boost for the Orioles, who are struggling in the league. The dynamic catcher walked into the clubhouse with high energy, lifting the spirits of teammates. Prior to his injury on June 20, Rutschman had a batting average of .227 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs. Interim manager Tony Mansolino remarked, “It’s a big piece. He walked into the room and brought a lot of energy, right away.”
In contrast, the news regarding Bautista is concerning. The right-hander, who has been sidelined since July 24, will now spend additional time on the 15-day injured list as he deals with significant shoulder swelling. “An MRI determined there was a lot of swelling in the shoulder,” Mansolino explained. “We can’t quite make a determination yet, or diagnose it until the swelling goes down. That’s going to be probably more weeks than days.” This development raises alarms, particularly after Bautista underwent Tommie John surgery in October 2023.
The Orioles will also benefit from the return of lefty Keegan Akin, who has missed 21 games due to shoulder inflammation. Akin boasts a record of 3-0 with a 3.32 ERA, and his addition to the bullpen is crucial as the team navigates these challenges.
To clear roster space for Rutschman and Akin, the Orioles optioned pitcher Yaramil Hiraldo to Triple-A Norfolk and designated catcher Jacob Stallings for assignment. The team is making swift moves to adapt to the evolving situation, demonstrating their commitment to improving performance and morale.
As the Orioles face a challenging period, the impact of Rutschman’s return and Bautista’s injury will be closely watched. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these developments influence the team’s trajectory in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.