On a day when the Orioles had one of their highest-scoring games of the season and every starter not only had a hit but also scored a run, one player in particular stood out. Catcher/DH Adley Rutschman recorded two hits, including a bloop single, and drove in a run. It was only his third multi-hit game since August 10.
After posting an .848 OPS in June, Rutschman’s performance dipped significantly, with a .482 OPS in July and a .625 mark in August. Before Monday’s game, he had been struggling, batting just .149 with a .460 OPS over his last 12 games.
Before the Orioles’ 13-3 win over the Chicago White Sox, manager Brandon Hyde reassured that Rutschman was physically fine, with no injuries hindering his performance. However, Hyde acknowledged that Rutschman is in an extended slump.
Before the Orioles’ 13-3 win over the Chicago White Sox, manager Brandon Hyde reassured that Rutschman was physically fine, with no injuries hindering his performance. However, Hyde acknowledged that Rutschman is in an extended slump.
“It’s just been a tough couple of months, tough since the All-Star break,” Hyde said before the game. “He’s grinding every day to get his rhythm back. He’s working so hard that we have to monitor it. He knows how important he is to our offense and our team, and he’s likely putting too much pressure on himself. That’s why you see some uncharacteristic swings from him. He’s trying to make an impact and return to form.
“A lot of players go through this, and he hasn’t faced much adversity in his career, except maybe during his first month in the majors. This is his first prolonged slump, and it’s not unusual. We have to remember he hasn’t had that many at-bats in the big leagues, even though it feels like he has because he’s been so good.”
Through June, Rutschman had a strong batting line of .294/.350/.471/.821 with 15 home runs and 55 RBIs over 79 games. However, in the 47 games since, he’s hit .189/.280/.287/.567 with three home runs and 17 RBIs.
“He’s just dealing with it right now,” Hyde said. “I applaud the way he handles himself every day. He doesn’t show frustration outwardly, but those of us close to him can see it a bit. There are some at-bats where you think, ‘He’s back.’ For example, there was a walk in Colorado late in the game that looked like classic Adley Rutschman to me. So, it’s still there, but he’s just having a tough time consistently putting together the great at-bats he’s known for over the past two-plus years.”
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