Baltimore Orioles infielder expected to rejoin team next week

Mountcastle, 28, batted .246/.280/.348 (.628 OPS) with 13 doubles, two home runs, and 15 RBIs through his first 200 plate appearances this season. Before suffering a Grade 2 right hamstring strain in late May, the six-year veteran had been heating up offensively, hitting .298 over his last 23 games.

Through his first three rehab games with Triple-A Norfolk, Mountcastle is 6-for-12 (.500) with four extra-base hits and three RBIs. He homered off Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter in his first game back last Thursday and doubled twice for the Tides in a commanding 10-4 win Sunday.

Mountcastle’s role upon his return will become clearer once Thursday’s deadline passes. Baltimore’s first base spot is currently crowded, but 2025 All-Star Ryan O’Hearn — set to become a free agent at season’s end — is viewed as a likely trade candidate, with the Orioles sitting in last place.

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If O’Hearn is dealt, Mountcastle could share time at first base and designated hitter with Coby Mayo. The 23-year-old Mayo, who took Mountcastle’s roster spot following the injury, entered Tuesday’s doubleheader with a .724 OPS in 34 games since being called up.

Mountcastle currently has the defensive edge over Mayo. Last season, he was a Gold Glove finalist for the second straight year. He finished with a .997 fielding percentage, 1.8 UZR, and tied for the American League lead at his position with eight defensive runs saved.