Rutschman’s Right-Side Success: A Breakdown
June 8th, 2024
Adley Rutschman, the Orioles’ catcher, has been showcasing his prowess at the plate this season, particularly when batting from the right side. Switch-hitters like Rutschman often experience fluctuations in their performance from each side, but the 26-year-old has been excelling as a right-handed hitter.
In the 62 games played by the Orioles so far, Rutschman’s hitting splits reveal a significant disparity in his performance based on his batting side. When facing right-handed pitchers, he boasts a .235/.283/.361 line with six home runs and 18 RBIs. However, his stats against left-handed pitchers are far more impressive, with a .438/.458/.725 line, six home runs, and 25 RBIs.
Notably, Rutschman recently achieved a milestone by hitting home runs from both sides of the plate in a single game, showcasing his power from both sides. While Rutschman struggled as a right-handed hitter during his rookie year in 2022, he has made significant improvements since then, with his performance steadily improving each year.
Statcast metrics reveal Rutschman’s remarkable progress as a right-handed hitter, with increased hard-hit percentages, barrel rates, and sweet-spot rates over the past few seasons. His ability to make solid contact and capitalize on favorable pitches has contributed to his success this year.
Despite shouldering a heavy workload as a catcher, Rutschman has managed to enhance his offensive output while maintaining his defensive duties. His dedication to strength and conditioning has helped him stay resilient throughout the season.
Looking ahead, Rutschman’s coaches are optimistic about his continued growth and potential for further improvement. As he strives to balance his performance from both sides of the plate, Rutschman’s success as a right-handed hitter has been a source of pride for the Orioles.
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