Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles

BALTIMORE – A month ago, Adley Rutschman’s professional world -- the only one he had ever known -- was turned upside down. The ultimate Oriole, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, was headed north to Boston in a deal struck hours before the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline. There he was on Thursday night, exactly one month after that blockbuster deal between American League East rivals, putting on a power show (two towering solo shots) to give the Red Sox an up-close glimpse at what they now have. At the same time, he showed the Orioles and their fans what they are missing.  All this in Boston’s 6-5 victory in the opener of a four-game series that marked Rutschman’s breakout game with his new team. “That's a heck of a way to make a return,” said Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy. “That was awesome. I thought it was really cool, the video they did for him. I thought it was first class of them to step out and let him be acknowledged, and the ovation was awesome. And obviously, he had a big night.” For Rutschman, the night couldn’t have gone better.  He soaked in the love from the fans he never got to say goodbye to,  and shook off the effects of a hyperextended right elbow that had prevented him from playing in the previous three games.  “It was special,” Rutschman said. "Just to feel that love was a really cool, emotional moment, and really special.” Battling injuries, which Rutschman has done a lot of the last couple of seasons, isn’t special. In fact, it is an annoyance for someone who prides himself on being the ultimate competitor.