Baltimore Orioles' Adley Rutschman Gives Some Insight into Home Run Derby Strategy

Baltimore Orioles young star Adley Rutschman revealed some of his plans for the Home Run Derby, which is taking place on July 10.

Baltimore Orioles young star Adley Rutschman confirmed on Monday that he will participate in the Home Run Derby during All-Star Week, and now he's revealed some of his strategy for the event.

Per O's reporter Danielle Allentuck on Twitter:

Adley Rutschman said him and his dad have been talking about doing the home run derby together for some time. He doesn’t know what side he’ll hit from yet but he thinks he’ll start from the left

Adley Rutschman said him and his dad have been talking about doing the home run derby together for some time. He doesn’t know what side he’ll hit from yet but he thinks he’ll start from the left https://t.co/Rpsino0lLD

— Danielle Allentuck (@d_allentuck) July 3, 2023

So Rutschman is going to have his father throw to him, which will be one of the cooler storylines of the event. It's always fun when a longtime coach or family member does the pitching for a big league star. Also, Rutschman says he thinks he'll "start" by hitting left-handed?? 

I may be wrong but I don't ever remember a switch-hitter hitting from both sides of the plate during a home run derby. We'll have to go check the historical databases on that one.

This will be a fun week for Rutschman, who was also selected to the All-Star Game. He is an Oregon native, so to be back in nearby Seattle should be a great moment for him.

One of the best backstops in the league already, he is hitting .273 this season with 11 homers and 36 RBI. He's posted an OPS of .798 for the upstart Orioles, who are 49-34 on the season. 

Baltimore will take on the New York Yankees on Tuesday afternoon in a July 4 matinee. First pitch at Yankee Stadium is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.

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