Rutschman doubles in first rehab game, could return to O's this weekend

CLEVELAND -- The Baltimore Orioles have had to use six catchers so far this season due to a variety of injuries.

It seems like they could be getting the most important one back soon.

On Tuesday afternoon, Adley Rutschman took a big step toward returning to the Orioles' roster, beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk. He went 1-for-3 with a double as the designated hitter in the Tides' 3-2 loss to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in Allentown, Pa.

Interim manager Tony Mansolino said there was a "possibility" that Rutschman could return for Baltimore’s three-game series at home against the Rockies over the weekend.

“We’ve talked about having schedules and things like that, and one of the things that’s been going really well has been all the live at-bats he was able to take in Sarasota when we were in Tampa [over the weekend],” Mansolino said. “That could expedite him.”

Rutschman, 27, has been on the injured list since June 20 due to a left oblique strain, marking the first injured list stint of his big league career.

The Orioles have struggled with injuries at seemingly every position during the season, but Rutschman’s injury (and the craziness that has ensued since) is a tangible example of how the season has gone.

In the time since Rutschman has gotten hurt, the Orioles have had to use five catchers -- three of whom have since joined Rutschman on the injured list.

Gary Sánchez has played in the most games over that span (14), but he went on the shelf with a right knee sprain that will likely keep him out until September. Chadwick Tromp and Maverick Handley have also ended up on the injured list.

The team’s current catchers are Alex Jackson and Jacob Stallings -- neither of whom were on the roster when Rutschman went on the injured list.

The Orioles desperately need Rutschman’s bat, and, in a bit of good news, it seems like his offense is around where it was when he got injured.

“The bat is probably ahead of the catching right now,” Rutschman said.

Rutschman served as the DH on Tuesday, but he will serve as the catcher Wednesday night. Mansolino said that Rutschman could still be called up even if he’s not at full strength as a catcher.

“You can build up in the big leagues a little -- especially with having a second catcher -- but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. But there will be a lot of smart people who will collaborate on that decision,” Mansolino said.

Rutschman has slashed .227/.319/.372 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs in 68 games this season. The Orioles’ catchers have combined for a wRC+ of 87 in the 25 games that Rutschman missed.

In another bit of good news, starting pitcher Zach Eflin will be activated off the injured list and start Wednesday’s game against Cleveland. He went on the injured list with a lower back strain on June 30, and he could now conceivably make two starts before the July 31 Trade Deadline. He’s tallied an ERA of 5.95 in 62 innings this year.

“He’s a great Major League pitcher who’s been in this league for a long time,” Mansolino said. “In just talking to him, I could tell that he was really unhappy with being on the injured list, so we’re optimistic with where his mind’s at.”