Adley Rutschman's .458 Slugging Percentage Is Still Dropping Bombs and The League Can't Stop It

Alright, fam, listen up. While the Orioles are dealing with some pitching drama, there's a comeback brewing that's got the entire league watching. Veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt just went under the knife for a back surgery, getting a bone spur removed. Big bummer for their rotation, right? But hold up, because their superstar catcher, Adley Rutschman, is reportedly "doing well" after a concussion and is looking to get back on the field soon. And trust me, when he does, his bat is going to keep doing some serious damage.

Bassitt's Back Blues and the Minor Fix

So, Bassitt, 37 years old, was sidelined after pitching on June 3. The dude tried injections for his back, but neither he nor the team were happy with how that went. So, surgery it was! Orioles GM Mike Elias told reporters the procedure was "pretty minor" and "not serious." He even said there's a "very strong possibility" Bassitt, who signed as a free agent this offseason, could be back "in better condition before the end of the season." That's good news for them, because his 4-4 record and 5.27 ERA in 12 appearances, 10 of them starts, isn't exactly setting the world on fire this year. For a guy who's been around 12 seasons, rocking an 87-69 career record with a 3.71 ERA, this mid-season hiccup is a tough break, but hopefully, it's ju

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st a quick tune-up.

Rutschman's Return and His Monster Numbers

Now, this is where it gets exciting! While Bassitt is on the mend, the real headline might be Adley Rutschman's imminent return. He's been out since June 18 after taking a throw to the head while running the bases, but Elias sounds super optimistic. "Adley's doing well," the GM said. "It's improved the last couple of days. I think we're getting close there." This is HUGE because Rutschman, a two-time All-Star and the No. 1 overall pick from 2019, has been absolutely crushing it this season. The 28-year-old is batting .254 with eight homers and 40 RBIs in just 54 games. But the number that should make every pitcher nervous? His .458 slugging percentage. That's not just good, folks, that's the best of his entire five-season career! He's a machine, and coming back from a concussion with numbers like that means he's not just good, he's elite. Getting Bassitt back later in the season will be a boost for the Orioles, no doubt. But the thought of Adley Rutschman returning to that lineup, already raking with a career-best slugging percentage, is what should have their fans buzzing. The Emerald City knows a thing or two about clutch players, and Rutschman is proving he's one of them. Keep an eye out for his return, because when he steps back up to the plate, you know he's looking to keep that monster slugging going and light up the scoreboard.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.