Kyle Bradish had a message for his Orioles teammate Adley Rutschman.
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Video Transcript
So, spring training has brought a renewed sense of optimism for the Orioles, and much of that outlook centers on the health and performance of two key players.
So, spring training has brought a renewed sense of optimism for the Orioles, and much of that outlook centers on the health and performance of two key players.
Those two key players being pitcher Kyle Bradish and catcher Adley Rutschman.
Those two key players being pitcher Kyle Bradish and catcher Adley Rutschman.
So, both are looking to reestablish themselves after injury setbacks, and their success could really shape Baltimore’s ceiling this year.
So, both are looking to reestablish themselves after injury setbacks, and their success could really shape Baltimore’s ceiling this year.
Bradish has quietly been one of the most effective pitchers in the American League when healthy, and his breakout came in 2023 when he posted an ERA under three across 30 starts with 168 Ks.
Bradish has quietly been one of the most effective pitchers in the American League when healthy, and his breakout came in 2023 when he posted an ERA under three across 30 starts with 168 Ks.
Injuries, unfortunately, have limited him since then, and over the past two years, he’s made just 14 total starts after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Injuries, unfortunately, have limited him since then, and over the past two years, he’s made just 14 total starts after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
At the same time, Rutschman is trying to bounce back from a difficult 2025 season.
At the same time, Rutschman is trying to bounce back from a difficult 2025 season.
Multiple oblique strains on the left and right side disrupted his rhythm and limited him to just 90 games, but even when he played, he finished with a 220 batting average, which is a career low, and a 673 OPS.
Multiple oblique strains on the left and right side disrupted his rhythm and limited him to just 90 games, but even when he played, he finished with a 220 batting average, which is a career low, and a 673 OPS.
He hit just nine home runs and only 29 RBIs.
He hit just nine home runs and only 29 RBIs.
For a player of his pedigree and his draft stock, those numbers were a very clear step back.
For a player of his pedigree and his draft stock, those numbers were a very clear step back.
That’s why Bradish’s recent comments about his teammate stand out.
That’s why Bradish’s recent comments about his teammate stand out.
Speaking out about Rutschman’s spring performance, Bradish acknowledged that Rutschman looks really good and that a big bounce-back year is coming.
Speaking out about Rutschman’s spring performance, Bradish acknowledged that Rutschman looks really good and that a big bounce-back year is coming.
It was a simple message, but an important one for a lineup that depends so heavily on its catcher, and if he does not perform, then Rutschman could be replaced as well by Visayo, who Baltimore recently signed to a long-term extension.
It was a simple message, but an important one for a lineup that depends so heavily on its catcher, and if he does not perform, then Rutschman could be replaced as well by Visayo, who Baltimore recently signed to a long-term extension.
Rutschman’s track record suggests he can respond, however, as the former number one overall pick, and he has shown that kind of potential before with two All-Star selections and one Silver Slugger.
Rutschman’s track record suggests he can respond, however, as the former number one overall pick, and he has shown that kind of potential before with two All-Star selections and one Silver Slugger.
For Baltimore, the stakes are a lot higher this year after they made several moves to really strengthen the roster alongside Bradish and Rutschman, of course, and if both players can rebound, it’ll be a huge sign.
For Baltimore, the stakes are a lot higher this year after they made several moves to really strengthen the roster alongside Bradish and Rutschman, of course, and if both players can rebound, it’ll be a huge sign.
And it is a big act of encouragement from Bradish to send that message to Rutschman, knowing that Rutschman’s value this year is going to be huge for the Orioles if he can return to form.
And it is a big act of encouragement from Bradish to send that message to Rutschman, knowing that Rutschman’s value this year is going to be huge for the Orioles if he can return to form.