Adley Rutschman was 2-for-4 in his first game with Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday night and nearly caught a no-hitter. Bruce Zimmermann, Kyle Bradish and Felix Bautista combined on a one-hitter as the Tides beat Memphis, 5-0.
Rutschman’s Bowie Baysox was no-hit by Somerset in his final game at Double-A, and he came close to catching one in his Norfolk debut.
“I tried to put that out of my mind as much as possible,” Rutschman said in a Zoom call on Wednesday. “It’s kind of an unwritten rule of a no-hitter, you don’t really want to talk about it. I tried not to think about it. It was amazing and awesome to be a part of, a cool experience to be a part of, and a great way to start off.”
Rutschman, who was the overall No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft, is getting closer to Baltimore.
“I think you’ve got to celebrate all the small victories and getting promoted is obviously a huge step,” Rutschman said. “I’m very blessed to be in the position I’m in right now. So very happy to be here and to be a step away.”
Rutschman was told he was moving to Norfolk on Sunday night. In 80 games with Bowie, Rutschman hit .271 with 18 homers and 55 RBIs. He had a .392 on-base percentage and a .901 OPS. He walked nearly as often as he struck out (55 to 57).
“Just looking forward to experiencing a new level, new challenges and being a part of a new team,” Rutschman said. “There is definitely some un-comfortability that comes with new settings, but it’s all part of the process and all part of the learning experience.”
Rutschman plans to stay the course with Norfolk.
“Same process as always,” he said. “I like to keep even keel and stay as steady as I can, so my mindset is going to continue to stay the same.”
Scott returns: The Orioles reinstated left-hander Tanner Scott from the 10-day injured list. Scott had been out because of a left knee sprain. Left-hander Alexander Wells was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Wells was 1-2 with a 7.76 ERA in six games.
Mountcastle waits: First baseman/designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle, who’s on the seven-day concussion injured list, isn’t expected back when he’s eligible on Sunday, manager Brandon Hyde said. “That’s an injury where you have to take your time with and see how guys recover,” Hyde said. “He’s better today than he was yesterday, so we’ll see how he’s recovering daily.”
Notes: Hyde said that a decision on left-hander Bruce Zimmermann, who threw five no-hit innings for Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday night, will be made in the next day or two. When Zimmermann returns, he’s expected to be in the rotation. … Right-handed pitcher Tyler Wells, who’s on the 10-day injured list because of tendinitis in his right wrist, could return on Thursday, Hyde said.
Minor league update: Grayson Rodriguez pitched five scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out eight without walking a batter, as Double-A Bowie beat Richmond, 8-4, on Wednesday. Rodriguez (5-1) has a 2.38 ERA.
Leftfielder Johnny Rizer drove in three runs and had three hits, including his seventh home run. Centerfielder Zach Watson hit his third home run in two games, his sixth of the season. Third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean had a two-run homer, his second.