Orioles' Rutschman, Tigers' Torkelson among top MLB rookies

Comedy Central host Trevor Noah is slamming New York City's conflicting coronavirus vaccine mandate standards that allow people to attend indoor events without requiring proof of vaccination, while contrastingly requiring proof of vaccination for employees to go to work.

Adley. Tork. Witt.

A couple of highly touted draft picks are on the brink of the major leagues. Nice timing, too, with baseball coming back after an ugly labor dispute.

Here is a closer look at a handful of rookies who could play a starring role this year:

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—C Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles: The switch-hitting Rutschman looks ready to lead the Orioles' revival after 110 losses by the big league club last year. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 amateur draft batted .285 with 23 homers and 75 RBIs over two minor league stops last season, finishing the year with Triple-A Norfolk.

—SS Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals: The son of the former Texas Rangers right-hander was selected by Kansas City with the No. 2 pick in 2019, right behind Rutschman. Witt, who turns 22 in June, hit 33 homers and swiped 29 bases in a combined 123 games at Double-A and Triple-A last season.

—INF Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers: First base? Third base? Torkelson's position might not matter all that much if he continues to produce at the plate. The No. 1 pick in the 2020 amateur draft batted .267 with 30 homers and 91 RBIs in 121 games in the minors last year.

FILE - Baltimore Orioles first-round draft pick Adley Rutschman tips his cap to the crowd as he was introduced between innings of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Tuesday, June 25, 2019, in Baltimore. Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, Kansas City Royals