Like
2
When Adley Rutschman was promoted to the big leagues little more than two years ago, the Baltimore Orioles' catcher became known for how he greets his pitcher coming off the mound. With his mask tucked under an armpit, Rutschman presents energy, or empathy, or encouragement, or maybe some combination of those -- more often than not, a hug. Whatever is needed in the moment.
Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde values these people skills -- not to mention Rutschman's other abilities as a catcher. But Hyde has demonstrated that with Rutschman, a priority in his planning to make sure that his offensive skills are part of his batting order as often as possible.