Normally we start these minor league recaps with Triple-A Norfolk and work our way down the organizational ladder. But today, I’m starting all the way at the bottom with the Gulf Coast League Orioles. Because, ladies and gentlemen, Adley Rutschman took the field for the first time as a professional.
The Birds’ No. 1 prospect, who was drafted with the first overall pick in the 2019 draft, hadn’t played since signing with the club June 24, getting off to a late start due to a bout of mononucleosis. Yesterday, though, Rutschman was in the GCL Orioles lineup for his pro debut, batting fifth and DHing.