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Baltimore Orioles Catcher Adley Rutschman Falling Victim to MLB-Worst Bad Luck

Originally posted on FanNation Fastball | By Sam Connon | Last updated 7/14/23

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman has spent the past year making headlines in all the best ways, but he hasn't been exempt from some rough calls.

According to a tweet from Codify on Thursday, Rutschman led MLB in out-of-zone pitches called strikes before the All-Star break. The young catcher out of Oregon State has watched 50 pitches go by, miss the zone and then get called a strike by umpires regardless.

Rutschman has struck out 59 times so far in 2023, which puts him on pace for roughly 108 by the end of the year. Still, Rutschman's strikeout rate has dropped from 18.2% last season to 15.4% this season.

Rutschman has also managed to boost his walk rate from 13.8% to 14.4% year-over-year, despite the string of blown calls.

Back in his college days, Rutschman recorded 117 strikeouts and 156 walks in 821 plate appearances, giving him a 14.3% strikeout rate and 19.0% walk rate. Rutschman's minor league strikeout rate of 16.0% was more on par with his major league track record, as was his 14.1% walk rate.

The former No. 1 overall pick – who finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting and 12th in AL MVP voting last fall – made his first career All-Star Game appearance Tuesday in Seattle. Rutschman also participated in the Home Run Derby on Monday, crushing 27 home runs as a switch hitter before getting knocked out in the first round by Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr..

Rutschman is hitting .273 with 12 home runs, 39 RBI and a .799 OPS through 86 games this season. He has broken out as the No. 2 hitter for the 54-35 Orioles, who are on pace to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and fourth time since 1997.

Baltimore starts the second half of its season Friday at home against the Miami Marlins. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on FanNation Fastball and was syndicated with permission.

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