Orioles activate C Adley Rutschman (oblique) from IL

The Baltimore Orioles activated Adley Rutschman from the injured list Monday, giving the catcher a chance to play over the final six games of the season.

Rutschman, 27, has not played since Aug. 17 because of a right oblique strain. He is batting .227 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs in 85 games this season.

Baltimore already is out of playoff contention with a 73-83 record and has a pair of three-game series remaining against the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees.

In four seasons with the Orioles, after he was the top overall draft pick in 2019, Rutschman is a career .256 hitter with 61 home runs and 230 RBIs in 500 games.

To open a spot on the active roster, shortstop Luis Vazquez, 25, was optioned to the Florida Coast League Orioles.

In another move, Baltimore outrighted right-hander Scott Blewett, 29, to the FCL Orioles. He had a 5.48 ERA in 26 appearances (two starts) this season with the Orioles, Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves.

Blewett was designated for assignment by the Orioles last week but elected to remain in the organization.