The Missouri native went on the Injured List twice and posted an overall ERA of 7.68 in 13 starts split among three different teams in the system. Despite those challenges, Rutledge was assigned to Surprise in the Arizona Fall League along with other Washington Nationals pitching prospects such as Cole Henry, hoping to make up for some lost time. At the beginning of the 2021 season, the Nationals 2019 draft pick was assigned to the newest National High-A Affiliate: the Wilmington Blue Rocks along with other pitching prospects Cade Cavalli, Cole Henry, Joan Adon, and others. Only Joan Adon made the major leagues in September, while Cade Cavalli made significant strides in his development during the past season.
During the 2021 season, Rutledge missed most of August with a blister on his throwing hand. Otherwise, he struggled to find a rhythm in high Class and then low Class A, finishing with a 7.68 ERA in 36⅓ innings. Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post profiled the Nationals 2019 first-round pick last month where Rutledge discussed his opportunity to pitch during the Arizona Fall League: “It sounds silly or really simple, but I wanted to come here and pitch. That was it,” Rutledge said. “I dealt with stupid injuries all season. The results were the results. But I needed more innings and more reps. You can’t get better if you’re not throwing the ball.” Talking about Rutledge, assistant general manager for player development Mark Scialabba told the Washington Post recently: “More than anything, he’s got to make up for lost time… He’s done a nice job of really figuring out more of his strengths and controlling his delivery.”
Related Article: Washington Nationals Top 10 Preseason Prospects via Baseball America
Scialabba further said “His change-up is a pitch that he can rely on to get outs. That’s come a long way, and he threw two the other day that I thought were at least average and have a chance to be an out pitch for him down the road. He also is throwing a sinker here and there, and it’s becoming a nice weapon for him.”
It looks like Rutledge is on the right path to coming back to the 2022 season extremely strong. During the Arizona Fall League Championship Game, Rutledge struck out seven in only three and 1/3 innings of work. During the three innings of work, Rutledge was able to locate his pitches, with his secondary offerings setting up his heater, which sat at 95 mph and topped out at 98 mph. Known for his heater, it was his slider that was his bread and butter. Five of his seven strikeouts came via the slider, all swinging.
In order for the Nationals pitching rotation to be what it was once was, the team is counting on Rutledge to bounce back in the upcoming season and we have no doubt that this will occur.
