Orioles’ Adley Rutschman lands on 7-day IL with concussion

The Baltimore Orioles have placed catcher Adley Rutschman on the 7-day concussion injured list after he was struck in the head by a throw during Thursday’s game against the Seattle Mariners. This is Rutschman’s second trip to the injured list this season after he previously missed time from April 11-21 due to left ankle inflammation.

The injury occurred in the ninth inning of Baltimore’s 3-0 loss to Seattle. Rutschman hit a ground ball to shortstop Colt Emerson, who attempted to complete a double play after recording an out at second base. Emerson’s throw to first base struck Rutschman on the left side of the head at close range, forcing him to exit the game immediately.

Rutschman remained out of the lineup for Friday’s 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers while undergoing testing and further evaluation. After continued monitoring, the Orioles elected to place him on the concussion injured list before Saturday’s game at Dodger Stadium. The move was made retroactive to Friday, making the 28-year-old eligible to return on June 26 when Baltimore begins a three-game home series against the Washington Nationals.

Rutschman’s absence is a major loss for the Orioles. Through 54 games and 228 plate appearances this season, he owns a .254 batting average, a .329 on-base percentage, a .458 slugging percentage, and a .787 OPS. He has also recorded 15 doubles, one triple, eight home runs, and 40 RBIs. Since 2023, he hasn’t produced offense at a higher level than his current 118 wRC+, and his .204 isolated power currently projects to be the best full-season power mark of his career.

Rutschman’s impact hasn’t been limited to the batter’s box. He has remained a valuable presence behind the plate, already compiling 1.9 fWAR in 2026 after finishing with just 1.2 fWAR a year despite playing nearly twice as many games in 2025. His resurgence has been a huge factor in keeping Baltimore competitive despite its 35-42 record.

Entering Saturday, the Orioles sat 3.5 games out of an American League Wild Card spot and held a 21.4% playoff probability according to FanGraphs. Baltimore’s actual record also matched its expected record based on runs scored and runs allowed.

With Rutschman unavailable, rookie Samuel Basallo will take over primary catching duties, while Sam Huff remains the backup. Chadwick Tromp joined the team’s taxi squad as additional insurance during the West Coast trip.

To fill the open roster spot, the Orioles recalled outfielder Michael Siani from Triple-A Norfolk. The 26-year-old brings major league experience from stints with the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals between 2022 and 2025. Although Siani hasn’t found much success with the bat at either Triple-A or the major-league level, his defense remains his calling card. He will add valuable depth to Baltimore’s roster until Rutschman returns.

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