Top pick Rutschman not awed in 1st Orioles’ big league camp

SARASOTA, FLA. » A year ago, Adley Rutschman was a student at Oregon State, and now he’s in his first major league camp.

Nothing overwhelming about that, he says.

Rutschman was the top pick in last June’s draft and signed with the Baltimore Orioles for an $8.1 million bonus. He’s played just 37 minor league games, and yet the 22-year-old switch-hitting catcher is fitting in fine at spring training among 67 other players who all have more experience.

Rutschman is in camp to learn from major league players and coaches — and to showa dwindling fan base theremaybe somehopefor a teamthat’s averaged over 110 losses the last two seasons.

Rutschman has been catching bullpens from veteran pitchers, and even though he’s the most publicized young catcher in recent years, he’s defer to them and their preferences.

“I ask each one of them what they want from me,” Rutschman said. “I get to try to accommodate them as best as I can. By being able to catch more experienced guys, I feel like it’s a great learning experience for me, too.”

Last season, Rutschman hit .254with four home runs and 26 RBIs for three teams, ending the year with 12 games at Low-A Delmarva.

To beg i n 2020, Rutschman could return to Delmarva or advance to High-A Frederick. If he does well, Rutschman couldmove up to Double-A Bowie.

While Orioles fans are excited about Rutschman, at December’s winter meetings, general manager Mike Elias downplayed the possibility of him playing in Baltimore this season, saying he wasn’t going to advance four levels in a year.