Rutschman stated, “I feel extraordinarily fortunate to be able to play this game and to have people who support and cheer for me.” “Obviously, we lost the game, and I’m just looking forward to being with the club again and trying to win games. Clearly, it was significant that so many people were cheering tonight. I can’t wait for the typical, everyday team aspect to begin.”
Rutschman, the 2019 first overall selection out of Oregon State, was batting.309 with 3 home runs and 9 RBIs in 19 games over three minor league levels in 2022. In 2021, he appeared in 123 games for Double-A Bowie and Norfolk, batting.285 with 23 homers and 85 RBIs. Rutschman, 24, had a strained right triceps in a March intrasquad game in the minor leagues, postponing the start of his season. Rutschman will wear No. 35, the same number Mike Mussina wore when he threw for the Orioles during his Hall of Fame career.Rutschman, the 2019 first overall selection out of Oregon State, was batting.309 with 3 home runs and 9 RBIs in 19 games over three minor league levels in 2022. In 2021, he appeared in 123 games for Double-A Bowie and Norfolk, batting.285 with 23 homers and 85 RBIs. Rutschman, 24, had a strained right triceps in a March intrasquad game in the minor leagues, postponing the start of his season. Rutschman will wear No. 35, the same number Mike Mussina wore when he threw for the Orioles during his Hall of Fame career.