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Blue Jays, Orioles, and Red Sox: 2 truths and 1 lie about the AL East so far

By Scott Roche

Apr 5, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah (6) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah (6) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) gestures to team mates after hitting a single against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) gestures to team mates after hitting a single against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

AL East truth: Adley Rutschman is as advertised for the Baltimore Orioles

The long rebuild that the Orioles have been going through looks like it’s starting to see results. The centerpiece of the rebuild is catcher Adley Rutschman and the former first-overall pick in 2019 is setting up to be behind the plate at Camden Yards for a long time.

Last season, Baltimore called him up, put him into the lineup and things took off for the Orioles. In 113 games, he hit .254 with a .807 OPS with 13 home runs and 42 RBI as the Orioles finished 83-79. He was a doubles machine, finishing with 35. He also had good plate patience and drew 65 walks.

He started this season by going 5-for-5 against the Red Sox, including hitting a home run off of Corey Kluber in his first at-bat. His power numbers are only going to up and, as a switch-hitter, it doesn’t matter which side of the plate he’s hitting from, he’s got pop from both sides.

Not only are his offensive numbers going to get better, but it is also his work behind the plate that is impressive. He works really well with his pitchers and has a strong arm, which will make him tough to steal against.

There is no question that the former Oregon State catcher has a long and bright future in Baltimore and you can see why he was the center of their rebuild. He’s as good as advertised and will be the best catcher in the AL East in the not-too-distant future.

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