Orioles’ Adley Rutschman Back on IL—Baltimore’s Playoff Hopes at Risk

By Oliver Wiener August 24, 2025 09:57

The Baltimore Orioles faced a major setback this August with their star catcher Adley Rutschman placed back on the 10-day injured list due to a strained right oblique muscle his second stint on the IL this season after a similar injury on the opposite side earlier in the summer. This development poses a significant threat to Baltimore’s playoff aspirations in what has been an injury-plagued 2025 campaign.

Rutschman, the franchise’s prized No. 1 overall pick from 2019, had appeared in 85 games through the season with a career-low slash line of .227/.310/.373 (.684 OPS), contributing nine home runs and 29 RBIs. While his offensive numbers declined relative to previous All-Star campaigns, his defensive impact behind the plate remained elite. Statcast data ranks his pitch framing in the 81st percentile and blocking in the 74th percentile, making him a key component of the pitching staff’s overall success.

Interim manager Tony Mansolino announced the decision to place Rutschman on the IL, backdated to August 18, following increasing abdominal discomfort that prompted his Thursday scratch from the lineup. Mansolino described the injury as “mild,” but with less than six weeks remaining in the regular season, the Orioles face uncertainty about if or when their star catcher will return.

“We’re hopeful, optimistic there’s a possibility we’ll see Adley again this season,” Mansolino said. “Knowing him, he’ll do everything to get back, but if the injury is bad enough, so be it.”

In Rutschman’s absence, top prospect Samuel Basallo, just 21 years old, has been thrust into an everyday catching role. Basallo, called up from Triple-A Norfolk, has made an eye-catching start in the big leagues with five RBIs and a .300 batting average in his first three games. He is expected to catch five or six times during the Orioles’ upcoming eight-game homestand, rotating behind a pitching staff that relies heavily on pitch calling and game management.

“Sammy will catch day games and possibly get some reps at first base,” Mansolino added. “We have to be careful with his workload to keep him healthy.”

Baltimore also recalled outfielder Daniel Johnson from the minors to replace Rutschman on the roster, prioritizing roster balance amid ongoing injuries. Veteran backup Alex Jackson will support Basallo as the secondary catcher, while veteran Gary Sánchez is unlikely to return before mid-September due to a right knee sprain.

The Orioles’ playoff hopes ride heavily on the health and performance of Rutschman. They currently sit well behind divisional leaders, holding a record that reflects their injury burden throughout the season. Rutschman’s contributions go beyond statistics; his leadership behind the plate and ability to manage a young pitching staff have been invaluable for Baltimore’s resurgence since his arrival.

Former Orioles great Cal Ripken Jr. emphasized Rutschman’s importance, stating, “Adley is the future of this franchise. His bat and glove give the Orioles a chance every day to win.”

Baltimore’s medical team is employing a conservative approach to ensure Rutschman’s full recovery, prioritizing long-term health over rushing him back. The team is keenly aware that the catcher’s well-being will shape their roster moves and strategic decisions as the regular season winds down.

The Orioles face a challenging stretch with their star catcher sidelined, but the emergence of Samuel Basallo and the team’s resilience offer a measure of hope. The coming weeks will be critical as Baltimore navigates their injury woes and attempts to keep playoff dreams alive.