Ever since his 2022 MLB debut, Orioles catcher and former No. 1 MLB draft pick Adley Rutschman has looked like a burgeoning star. And while he’s still working on leading Baltimore to the postseason, he got a chance to step into the baseball spotlight during Monday night’s Home Run Derby.
And though his appearance was short-lived, it was undoubtedly a memorable one.
The switch-hitting Rutschman began his first-round matchup against White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. standing in the left-handed batter’s box. After hitting 20 home runs in the initial three-minute period, he returned for the 30-second bonus round—this time as a right-handed hitter—and proceeded to crush seven home runs in eight swings.
Adley went a cool 7-for-8 in the bonus round. 😤 #HRDerby pic.twitter.com/Lp83P7w63L
— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2023
For his career, Rutschman has much better numbers as a left-handed hitter against right-handed pitchers, though you wouldn’t know it watching Monday’s showing. In 199 career games, he has 25 career homers—21 as a lefty and just four as a righty.
Though Rutschman was bounced after Robert crushed 28 homers in his first-round turn, the 25-year-old catcher wowed many with his switch-hitting skills. Check out some of the best reactions to Rutschman’s performance below.
Adley joining Vladdy, Josh Hamilton and Julio in the Iconic Derby Performance in a Losing Effort Hall of Fame
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) July 11, 2023
Adley Rutschman switching to righty in bonus time pic.twitter.com/WRlwVM2csE
— br_betting (@br_betting) July 11, 2023
The little kids furiously running back to left when they realized Adley was switching was extremely cute irl
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) July 11, 2023
Been fortunate to go to a good amount of HRDs. Some standouts: Stanton in MIA, Guerrero in CLE
— Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) July 11, 2023
Adley switching sides mid round and hitting absolute blasts may be one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen at this event.
Adley Rutschman switch hitting in the Home Run Derby
— Gump Cathcart (@bubbagumpino) July 11, 2023
pic.twitter.com/yAX8ObgWk0
Adley Rutschman: hits 27 homers
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) July 11, 2023
Luis Robert Jr.:#HRDerby | #WhiteSox pic.twitter.com/x5geKLmN9D
Even a pitching guy has to tip his cap to Adley! 🔥
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 11, 2023
Did Luis Robert just upset the whole broadcast and stadium rooting for Adley Rutschman? pic.twitter.com/NyaBwhfr70
— Tyrone (@TheTyronePalmer) July 11, 2023
Give me more Adley Rutschman. That was amazing.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 11, 2023
