For the second time in three months, an oblique strain has sent Adley Rutschman to the injured list. Baltimore placed the switch-hitting catcher on the 10-day IL, retroactive to August 18, due to a right oblique injury. Outfielder Daniel Johnson is up from Triple-A Norfolk to take the vacated roster spot.
Rutschman missed five weeks between mid-June and the end of July with a left oblique strain. He’s now dealing with an injury to the opposite side. Interim skipper Tony Mansolino told reporters (including Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun) that it’s a “mild” strain. That’d seem to give Rutschman a shot to return this season, but even minor oblique strains usually cost a hitter a few weeks.
This has been a career-worst season for the two-time All-Star. Rutschman is batting .227/.310/.373 in 348 plate appearances. It’s his first subpar offensive showing in his four-year career. Last season’s .250/.318/.391 line was only narrowly better than average. Rutschman’s bat has fallen off since his excellent first two seasons.
The declining production comes as top catching prospect Samuel Basallo reaches the big leagues. Baltimore promoted the 21-year-old on Sunday. Basallo has started one game apiece at catcher and designated hitter. The initial plan was for Rutschman and Basallo to split catching work with a decent amount of DH at-bats for the rookie. Basallo will now be the #1 catcher while Rutschman is on the shelf. The youngster’s bat has long been ahead of his glove. A few weeks of regular reps behind the plate won’t entirely wipe away concerns about Basallo’s defense, but it should be a good developmental opportunity.
Baltimore was already operating with three catchers on the active roster. They didn’t want to lose the out-of-options Alex Jackson when they called up Basallo. Jackson will back him up for the time being. That meant they could add an extra outfielder, Johnson, in the corresponding move rather than bringing up another catcher.
The new Matt Wieters.
Did Wieters had so many oblique injuries?
He needs to be traded. They’ll be fine without him. Even when he’s in the lineup they’re playing without him. So why not get someone that can actually help.
That’s an overreaction… but I would love him coming home on my mariners splitting catcher/DH roles with Big King Dumper
He’ll probably either get traded closer to his final years in free agency or he will sign somewhere as a free agent, I would be shocked if the orioles pay him
When it rains, it pours.
Shut him down and have him ready for next season. The lineup could be very strong if these kids all click. I’d suggest more reliability at 1B and let Mounty go or make him a part time player. Pete Alonso if he opts out would be a good get for them. Obviously they’re going nowhere without the arms next year but the lineup is at least something to dream on.