Rutschman promoted to Delmarva, plus tonight's lineups

Less than 24 hours after having the best night of his professional career, catcher Adley Rutschman earned a promotion to the next level of the Orioles farm system.

Rutschman is moving up from short-season Single-A Aberdeen to low Single-A Delmarva, where he's expected to be in the lineup for Wednesday's home game against Greensboro. He'll be available to participate in the upcoming South Atlantic League playoffs upon the conclusion of the regular season.

The Orioles were expected to place Rutschman with the Shorebirds, but not necessarily after only 20 games with the IronBirds.

He certainly appears ready for the next challenge.

Rutschman batted .325/.413/.481 with seven doubles, one triple, one home run and 15 RBIs. He leaves behind a 10-game hitting streak, going 18-for-39 (.462) with seven extra-base hits and 14 RBIs.

Last night's game at Ripken Stadium as the clincher for Rutschman. He went 5-for-5 with a solo home run, his first in the state of Maryland, and a three-run triple.

Rutschman signed autographs after the game and handed the home run ball, which had been retrieved for him, to a young girl who waited for him.

The Orioles slow-played Rutschman after signing him to a record $8.1 million bonus, giving him time to attend various awards banquets and rest his shoulder and elbow. His professional debut came on July 20 in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, where he was 2-for-14 with a home run in five games.

Rutschman has thrown out five of seven runners attempting to steal in the New York-Penn League. He's been behind the plate for nine games.

The Orioles had the first overall pick for only the second time in club history. They selected LSU pitcher Ben McDonald in 1989.

Meanwhile, the Orioles have surrendered 257 home runs this season, one shy of the major league record held by the 2016 Reds.

Dylan Bundy and the bullpen will try to avoid making history tonight.

Bundy, who's allowed 25 of them, owns a career 5.66 ERA and 1.452 WHIP in five career games against the Royals over 20 2/3 innings.

Chance Sisco is catching tonight, but first baseman Chris Davis stays on the bench against another right-handed starter.

Trey Mancini is playing first base and DJ Stewart is in right field.

Jace Peterson continues to play left field. Anthony Santander is in center.

Hanser Alberto, who's playing second base, has an eight-game hitting streak that ties his career high. He's 12-for-33 (.364) during that stretch.

Rio Ruiz is 6-for-17 (.353) with three home runs and seven RBIs since the Orioles recalled him on Aug. 9. He's at third base again tonight.

The Orioles are 9-58 when allowing multiple home runs and 0-76 when trailing after eight innings.

Kansas City right-hander Brad Keller is 7-13 with a 4.10 ERA and 1.348 WHIP in 26 starts this season. He's completed six innings in seven consecutive outings.

Keller has a 3.60 ERA and 1.123 WHIP in 10 home starts and a 4.45 ERA and 1.505 WHIP in 16 starts on the road.

The Orioles faced Keller on Aug. 31, 2018 in Kansas City and were held to two runs in eight innings.

Cedric Mullins is 2-for-4 with a double and home run against Keller, but he's in Double-A Bowie.

For the Orioles
Jonathan Villar SS
Trey Mancini 1B
Anthony Santander CF
Renato Núñez DH
Jace Peterson LF
Hanser Alberto 2B
DJ Stewart RF
Rio Ruiz 3B
Chance Sisco C

Dylan Bundy RHP

For the Royals
Whitt Merrifield 2B
Jorge Soler DH
Hunter Dozier 3B
Alex Gordon LF
Ryan O'Hearn 1B
Meibrys Viloria C
Bubba Starling RF
Brett Phillips CF
Nicky Lopez SS

Brad Keller RHP