Rutschman lands on concussion IL after freak play

LOS ANGELES -- After getting hit in the head with a ball on a freak play that occurred in Seattle on Thursday afternoon, Adley Rutschman was placed on the 7-day concussion injured list prior to Saturday night’s game at Dodger Stadium, the Orioles announced.

It marks the second IL stint of the year for Rutschman, who was previously on the 10-day IL due to left ankle inflammation from April 11-21. Baltimore recalled outfielder Michael Siani from Triple-A Norfolk to fill Rutschman’s spot on the 26-man roster.

Rutschman was removed from Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Mariners in the ninth inning, after he was hit on the left side of the head by a throw from Seattle shortstop Colt Emerson, who was trying to complete a double play and tossed the ball from inside second base at close range. Rutschman was then out of the lineup for Friday’s series-opening 6-5 loss to the Dodgers as he continued to undergo testing and be evaluated.

“Obviously, it sucks for Adley,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Especially with concussions and head injuries, it’s tough, and especially the position he plays, with the constant foul tips and balls in the dirt and backswings, plays at the plate. So right now, Rutsch is on the concussion IL and we’ll kind of take it day by day and see where he’s at.”

The O’s had been carrying three catchers. Now, they’re down to two, with Samuel Basallo starting on Saturday and Sam Huff serving as the backup. Chadwick Tromp was also in Los Angeles on the taxi squad, just in case anything happens to either Basallo or Huff during the West Coast road trip, which will continue with a three-game set in Anaheim starting Monday.

Rutschman’s IL placement was retroactive to Friday, so the 28-year-old will be eligible to return next Friday, when the Orioles open a three-game home series against the Nationals.

Baltimore will miss Rutschman for however long he is sidelined, as he has been having a strong season. The five-year MLB veteran is hitting .254 with 15 doubles, one triple, eight homers, 40 RBIs and a .787 OPS in 54 games and has also been excellent behind the plate on defense.

In the meantime, Siani will give the O’s additional outfield depth. The 26-year-old has 160 games of big league experience, coming with the Reds and Cardinals from 2022-25. He was hitting .109 (5-for-46) with one triple, one home run, four RBIs and a .425 OPS over 15 games for Norfolk this season.

Siani could eventually be replaced on the roster by outfielder Dylan Beavers (right oblique strain), who played his second rehab game for Double-A Chesapeake on Saturday night.