This repeated Adley Rutschman issue could explain Orioles-Samuel Basallo extension

Seattle Mariners v Baltimore Orioles | Jess Rapfogel/GettyImages When the Baltimore Orioles drafted catcher Adley Rutschman first overall back in 2019, the team envisioned him becoming the face of the franchise. Fast forward six years, and the former top prospect is just another in the long list of disappointments during the 2025 season.

Still, with two more years of team control beyond this season, it seemed as if the switch-hitting backstop was very much a major part of Baltimore's plans both in the present and the near future. That is, until Rutschman got hurt. Again.

Placed on the IL retroactive to August 18, Rutschman's second oblique injury in three months cleared a path for the Orioles…