Orioles Promote Maverick Hundley as Adley Rutschman Hits IL

The Orioles' young star catcher's injury opens the door for a Double-A prospect to make his MLB debut.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in muted tones of orange, brown, and grey, conceptually representing the Orioles' organizational depth and resilience in the face of Adley Rutschman's injury.An artistic interpretation of the Orioles' next-man-up mentality as they navigate Adley Rutschman's injury and give a young prospect a chance to shine.Baltimore Today

The Baltimore Orioles have placed star catcher Adley Rutschman on the 10-day injured list due to an undisclosed injury. In a corresponding move, the team has selected the contract of Double-A catcher Maverick Hundley, who will make his major league debut. Rutschman's absence is a significant blow, as he has been a key part of the Orioles' rebuilding efforts, but the team is turning to internal options to weather the storm.

Why it matters

Rutschman's production and leadership behind the plate have been crucial for the Orioles as they look to return to contention. His injury could disrupt the team's pitching staff and lineup, but the promotion of Hundley signals the organization's trust in its player development system to help fill the void.

The details

Rutschman, the Orioles' top prospect and a key part of their rebuilding efforts, has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to an undisclosed injury. In a corresponding move, the team has selected the contract of Double-A catcher Maverick Hundley, who will make his major league debut. Hundley, a 23-year-old prospect, has been praised for his defensive abilities and game-calling skills, but his bat is still developing at the higher levels of the minors.

  • Rutschman was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 12, 2026.
  • Hundley's contract was selected by the Orioles on the same day, April 12, 2026.

The players

Adley Rutschman

The Orioles' star catcher and top prospect, who has been a key part of the team's rebuilding efforts.

Maverick Hundley

A 23-year-old catcher who has been promoted from Double-A to make his major league debut with the Orioles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Losing a player like Adley is always tough, but we have faith in our player development system to help fill the void. Maverick has shown a lot of promise, and we're excited to see what he can do at the big league level.”

— Mike Elias, Orioles General Manager

What’s next

The Orioles will monitor Rutschman's progress and provide updates on his recovery timeline. In the meantime, Hundley will have the opportunity to prove himself at the major league level and potentially earn a more permanent role on the team.

The takeaway

The Rutschman injury is a significant setback for the Orioles, but it also presents an opportunity for the organization to showcase its depth and commitment to player development. The promotion of Hundley signals the team's trust in its pipeline, and how it navigates this challenge could shape the Orioles' long-term competitive outlook.