The Orioles beat the Rangers on July 1, but the win is overshadowed as star Adley Rutschman hits the IL for the first time. Can Baltimore survive the injuries?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a cruel twist of fate, the joy of a hard-fought, extra-inning victory was massively overshadowed by a tidal wave of bad news from the trainer's room. The Baltimore Orioles announced Tuesday that star catcher Adley Rutschman has been placed on the injured list for the first time in his career with a left oblique strain. The stunning development, coupled with injuries to pitcher Zach Eflin and others, puts the team's season at a critical crossroads, even as their on-field grit was on full display in Texas.
It's the first time in his four-year MLB career Adley Rutschman has been placed on the injured list.
The news fans dreaded has become a reality. Adley Rutschman, the heart and soul of the Orioles, is officially on the injured list. A left oblique strain has sidelined the catcher indefinitely, marking his first-ever IL stint. His absence leaves a massive void in leadership, game-calling, and the middle of the lineup. But the pain didn't stop there. Starting pitcher Zach Eflin was also placed on the 15-day IL with lower back discomfort, further thinning a rotation that relied on his stability. These moves come as first baseman Ryan Mountcastle was transferred to the 60-day IL (hamstring) and backup catcher Maverick Handley landed on the 7-day IL with a concussion. The Orioles' depth is being tested like never before.
Despite the grim injury report, the Orioles showed incredible fight on the field, outlasting the Rangers 10-6 in a marathon 11-inning affair Monday night. The game was a testament to resilience, culminating in a four-run 11th inning powered by a two-run double from Ramón Laureano and clutch RBI singles from Colton Cowser and Coby Mayo. In a bizarre twist forced by a depleted bench, manager Tony Mansolino let starting pitcher Trevor Rogers take two at-bats. Rogers also turned in a solid performance on the mound, pitching 6 innings and allowing 3 runs while striking out 7. Félix Bautista slammed the door, proving that even when battered, this team won't break.
The rash of injuries has forced a significant roster shuffle. To compensate for Jordan Westburg's finger injury and provide infield depth, Emmanuel Rivera was recalled from Norfolk. In a corresponding move that surprised many, outfielder Dylan Carlson was optioned back to Triple-A despite hitting a respectable .271 since May. The moves highlight the precarious position the team is in. Just as the clubhouse was pushing for the front office to be 'buyers' at the trade deadline, this wave of injuries complicates the strategy. Will management still invest in a playoff push with so many core players on the shelf?
In a bit of off-field news, fans throughout the Mid-Atlantic now have a new way to follow the team's drama. The Orioles and Nationals officially launched MASN+, a direct-to-consumer streaming service. For $19.99 a month, in-market fans can now stream games live without a traditional cable subscription, ensuring they won't miss a moment as the Orioles navigate this challenging stretch.
The Orioles are facing their most significant test of the 2025 season. With their clubhouse leader and several key producers sidelined, the 'next man up' mentality will be pushed to its absolute limit. The next few weeks leading up to the July 31 trade deadline are no longer just about stacking wins; they're about proving the team's character and giving the front office a reason to believe. The fight has just begun.
