Adley Rutschman’s Switch-Hitting Prowess in Home Run Derby Had Twitter Going Wild

The Orioles’ star catcher put on a show in his first-ever All-Star appearance.

Ever since his 2022 MLB debut, Orioles catcher and former No. 1 MLB draft pick Adley Rutschman has looked like a burgeoning star. And while he’s still working on leading Baltimore to the postseason, he got a chance to step into the baseball spotlight during Monday night’s Home Run Derby.

And though his appearance was short-lived, it was undoubtedly a memorable one.

The switch-hitting Rutschman began his first-round matchup against White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. standing in the left-handed batter’s box. After hitting 20 home runs in the initial three-minute period, he returned for the 30-second bonus round—this time as a right-handed hitter—and proceeded to crush seven home runs in eight swings.

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Adley went a cool 7-for-8 in the bonus round. 😤 #HRDerby pic.twitter.com/Lp83P7w63L

— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2023

For his career, Rutschman has much better numbers as a left-handed hitter against right-handed pitchers, though you wouldn’t know it watching Monday’s showing. In 199 career games, he has 25 career homers—21 as a lefty and just four as a righty.

Though Rutschman was bounced after Robert crushed 28 homers in his first-round turn, the 25-year-old catcher wowed many with his switch-hitting skills. Check out some of the best reactions to Rutschman’s performance below.

Adley joining Vladdy, Josh Hamilton and Julio in the Iconic Derby Performance in a Losing Effort Hall of Fame

— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) July 11, 2023

Adley Rutschman switching to righty in bonus time pic.twitter.com/WRlwVM2csE

— br_betting (@br_betting) July 11, 2023

The little kids furiously running back to left when they realized Adley was switching was extremely cute irl

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) July 11, 2023

Been fortunate to go to a good amount of HRDs. Some standouts: Stanton in MIA, Guerrero in CLE

Adley switching sides mid round and hitting absolute blasts may be one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen at this event.

— Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) July 11, 2023

Adley Rutschman switch hitting in the Home Run Derby
pic.twitter.com/yAX8ObgWk0

— Gump Cathcart (@bubbagumpino) July 11, 2023

Adley Rutschman: hits 27 homers

Luis Robert Jr.:#HRDerby | #WhiteSox pic.twitter.com/x5geKLmN9D

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) July 11, 2023

Even a pitching guy has to tip his cap to Adley! 🔥

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 11, 2023

Did Luis Robert just upset the whole broadcast and stadium rooting for Adley Rutschman? pic.twitter.com/NyaBwhfr70

— Tyrone (@TheTyronePalmer) July 11, 2023

Give me more Adley Rutschman. That was amazing.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 11, 2023