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Today’s Headlines
Rutchsman Arrives
The long-awaited arrival of mega-prospect Adley Rutschman is finally here. Rutschman, the first overall pick of the 2019 Draft, made his big-league debut last night, starting at catcher and batting sixth for the Baltimore Orioles. The 6’2″ backstop had blazed through the minor leagues, posting a .312/.409/.490 slash line in AAA last season while ranking as the top prospect in all of baseball.
The baseball universe lit up when the news broke early Saturday morning, and all eyes turned to Camden Yards for what would have otherwise been yet another game for the 16-24 Orioles. The O’s ended up losing to the Rays, but the day marked a new era in Baltimore baseball and produced several terrific moments along the way.
The @Orioles have officially called up MLB’s top prospect, @RutschmanAdley! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ZkYIZVxyx1
— MLB (@MLB) May 21, 2022
It's time. pic.twitter.com/jtmNRWuEJH
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) May 21, 2022
It didn’t take long for video of the call-up to begin circulating as well – it’s as great of a scene as you’ll ever see.
https://twitter.com/Orioles/status/1528014119600852993?s=20&t=O0ejzhQ-JoLWoWTVYzRr3A
Obviously, an MLB debut like this creates tremendous hype and pressure, but Rutschman seemed to be handling it well – even taking a second for himself to bask in the once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Take it in, @RutschmanAdley. You’re in the bigs.pic.twitter.com/1qy8gltlhZ
— MLB (@MLB) May 21, 2022
Asked about it after the game, he said: “It was just kind of something that a couple guys told me, when they made their debut, when they caught, they just said to make sure to appreciate every moment. And if you can, make sure to take a second and soak it all in ’cause that’s something you’re gonna remember forever.” (Baltimore Sun)
Of course, he also came to play. After striking out in his first at bat, Rutschman drew a walk, showcasing his lauded eye and approach at the plate. The real highlight came in the bottom of the 7th, when, on the eighth pitch of the at bat, he pulled an 85 MPH changeup from Rays’ reliever Ralph Garza Jr. just inside the right-field line. The ball got caught up in the corner, and he pulled into third with his first career hit.
Grab that baseball! @RutschmanAdley is on the board with a three-bagger! pic.twitter.com/1H4Ha1vpMJ
— MLB (@MLB) May 22, 2022
It was quite a day for the young catcher, but if I may casually speak on behalf of the baseball world – we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Liberatore Makes Debut for Cards
The Cardinals also got in on the top-prospect fun Saturday, as they called up Matthew Liberatore to make his first career start. The 16th overall pick in the 2018 draft and the number two prospect for St. Louis (Nolan Gorman, the organization’s #1, made his debut on Friday) had been pitching with AAA Memphis since the start of 2021, and had posted 46 strikeouts in 40 innings this season.
Liberatore finished the day with a disappointing line, going 4.2 innings with three strikeouts while giving up four earned runs due to seven hits and two walks. I’ll leave it to Nick’s SP Roundup and this excellent GIF breakdown from Ben Palmer to tell the full story, but here’s the first punch out of Liberatore’s young career, featuring his 60-grade curveball.
The first big league K for @libby3232. pic.twitter.com/bYg4WfovUQ
— MLB (@MLB) May 21, 2022
Trout Scores 1000th Run
Mike Trout continued his breakout (kidding) 2022 season, scoring the 1000th run of his career in the bottom of the sixth inning as part of a 6-3 Angels win over the Athletics.
As is so often the case with Mike Trout headlines, that run placed him in the history books. Per MLB Stats, he is now the only player in MLB history with 1,000+ runs, 200+ stolen bases, and 1.000+ OPS through his age-30 season.
Congratulations to @MikeTrout on 1,000 career runs! pic.twitter.com/2gxuEDFsc7
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) May 22, 2022
Best Moments From Yesterday
Marte Homers in Honor of Late Grandmother
In a touching moment, Mets center fielder Starling Marte homered on the very first pitch he saw after spending four days on bereavement leave following the passing of his grandmother. Ponga, as she was known to family, raised Marte and his two sisters after the death of his mother when he was nine. After depositing Germán Márquez’s offering 444 feet into the left field bleachers, Marte pointed to the sky as he rounded first base. As the line goes, how can you not be romantic about baseball?
In his first game back since the loss of his grandmother, @Starlingmart crushes the first pitch he sees. ❤ pic.twitter.com/zjLM1kBdxL
— MLB (@MLB) May 21, 2022
Collateral Damp-age
Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette hit two home runs and drove in all three of Toronto’s runs in their tightly-fought 3-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Bichette’s production allowed the team to capitalize on starter Alek Manoah’s terrific eight-inning start, securing an important win as they try to keep pace with the surging Yankees and Rays.
After the final out, reporter Hazel Mae pulled Bichette aside for the customary post-game interview – but Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had other ideas. The superstar first baseman mercilessly deposited the entire water cooler on the pair but somewhat missed his teammate while utterly drenching Mae. Of course, she took it in stride, telling Bichette that “we’ll get him back” before joking to the crowd that she needs a new job.
A Vladdy refreshment pic.twitter.com/r1kgld8Nt3
— Cut4 (@Cut4) May 21, 2022
Injuries
Eduardo Rodriguez was placed on the 15-day IL with a left ribcage sprain.
Wander Franco is not starting Sunday’s game due to quad tightness.
Frankie Montas has no structural damage in his hand. Montas left Saturday’s start early after a line drive clipped his pitching hand.
Dylan Carlson left Saturday’s game with hamstring tightness and is not expected to play today.
Articles You Should Read
GIF Breakdown: Matthew Liberatore’s MLB Debut in 23 GIFs – Ben Palmer
Legendary Baseball Writer Roger Angell Dies at 101 – Steve Drumwright
MLB Power Rankings: Week Seven – Colin Fong
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)