Rutschman homers in pro debut (Scott recalled and lineup)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 20, 2019, 11:04am

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The long-awaited debut of catcher Adley Rutschman unfolded today in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and he again lived up to the hype.

Chosen first overall by the Orioles in last month's First-Year Player Draft, Rutschman served as the designated hitter against the GCL Pirates in Bradenton and homered to right field in his third professional at-bat.

Rutschman lined to shortstop and flied to deep right in his previous plate appearances before leading off the sixth inning with a home run from the left side of the plate off Domingo Gonzalez.

In his final at-bat, Rutschman flied to right field again to finish 1-for-4 on the day.

The Orioles have slow-played Rutschman since he signed his contract, allowing him to rest and work out in Sarasota. He was held out of games until today because he came down with a mild case of mononucleosis.

The plan also allowed Rutschman to rest his shoulder and elbow after another long season at Oregon State University.

Rutschman also will play first base besides doing his usual work behind the plate.

Because his debut was pushed back, Rutschman is expected to remain in Florida this week and could move up to short-season Single-A Aberdeen next weekend. The IronBirds are home Tuesday through July 28.

The Orioles recalled left-hander Tanner Scott today, removing him from the taxi squad, and optioned catcher Austin Wynns to Triple-A Norfolk.

Wynns caught the ninth inning last night while the Orioles carried three catchers on their roster. Pedro Severino has been ill.

He must be feeling better, though Chance Sisco is in the lineup.

Scott has made 12 appearances with the Orioles and allowed seven earned runs (nine total) and 15 hits in 11 1/3 innings. He's walked 11 batters and struck out 18.

Anthony Santander is in center field tonight. His 20 RBIs since being recalled on June 7 are the most on the Orioles. He's posted a .343 (24-for-70) average with three home runs and 14 RBIs in 18 home games.

Hanser Alberto, who's posted a .379 (11-for-29) average in the first inning, is on the bench.

Dwight Smith Jr. is in left field and trying to end his hitless streak at 30 at-bats.

Tom Eshelman is making his third start with the Orioles. He's allowed six runs and 11 hits in 10 2/3 innings.

Rick Porcello has a 5.37 ERA and 1.420 WHIP in 19 starts this season. Since tossing seven scoreless innings in Minnesota on June 17, he's allowed 21 runs and 30 hits in 18 innings over his next four outings.

Porcello faced the Orioles on April 13 in Boston and allowed three runs and six hits with five walks in four innings. He's 6-12 with a 4.69 ERA and 1.358 WHIP 21 career starts against the Orioles.

For the Orioles
Jonathan Villar 2B
Trey Mancini RF
Chance Sisco C
Renato NÃºÃ±ez DH
Dwight Smith Jr. LF
Anthony Santander CF
Chris Davis 1B
Rio Ruiz 3B
Richie Martin SS

Tom Eshelman RHP