Catcher Adley Rutschman is the Orioles’ All-Star representative. It will be Rutschman’s third All-Star Game. He was named as a reserve in 2023 and elected as the American League’s starter in 2024.
It’s the second straight year the Orioles have had one representative. Ryan O’Hearn was the starting designated hitter for the American League in last year’s game.
Rutschman is hitting .252 with 8 home runs and 43 RBIs in 58 games with a .772 OPS entering Saturday night’s game in Cincinnati.
“It’s very special,” Rutschman told reporters in Cincinnati. “It’s been a goal of mine to go to the All-Star Game and get back there. I feel very blessed.”
He was named to the team despite missing time because of a stint on the 10-day injured list in April with left ankle inflammation. Rutschman was also on the concussion injured list last month.
“It’s awesome,” Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said. “There’s a few more guys in there that are definitely worthy of a nod. Especially looking back to last year and what he had to go through, the injuries, the adversity, attacked the offseason with a diligent plan, and coming into this season, seeing all the work he’s put in, it’s been really cool. It’s well deserved.”
Albernaz announced Rutschman’s selection in a team meeting.
“I had no idea,” Rutschman said. “I’m surrounded by really good people, coaches. The investment they’ve taken in me from growing up until now, means the world to me. Just fortunate to be in this position.”
Last season, Rutschman was limited to 90 games because of two oblique injuries. He hit just .220 with nine homers and 29 RBIs.
The All-Star Game will be played in Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park on July 14th.
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