2023 Home Run Derby: Adley Rutschman shows out in the bonus round after switching hands
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman brought T-Mobile Park to life during Round 1 of the 2023 Home Run Derby after switching from hitting left to right for his bonus round.
Rutschman, making his Home Run Derby debut, clubbed 27 home runs. It was, however, not enough to advance out of his Round 1 matchup, as Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. hit 28.
Rutschman, the first-time All-Star, hit 21 home runs from the left side of the plate before clubbing out six right-handed during his 30-second bonus round. While Rutschman failed to advance, he did get to share a memorable moment with his dad, Randy, who threw to him in the Home Run Derby. Ahead of Tuesday’s event, Rutschman talked about sharing centerstage with his dad.
“We’ve taken BP a couple of times just to try to get back in the swing of things, but I think we’re just taking the mindset of trying to have fun with it. It’s an experience for both of us and one of those lifelong dreams that we’re excited to do,” Rutschman said on SiriusXM MLB Network Radio, via Sports Illustrated.
Rutschman, the 2019 first overall pick out of Oregon State, has been one of Baltimore’s MVP’s in a season in which they find themselves at 54-35 and second place in the AL East at the All-Star break. The 25-year-old is slashing .273/.376/.423 with 12 home runs and 39 RBIs in 326 at-bats.