Orioles’ Bassitt, Mountcastle to begin rehab assignments; Rodriguez traded to Pirates

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz told reporters in Detroit before Monday night’s game that starting pitcher Chris Bassitt and first baseman/designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle will begin rehab assignments with Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday.

Bassitt, who had back surgery and Mountcastle, who fractured his left foot in April are both on the 60-day injured list.

Pitchers are allowed 30 days on rehab assignments. Position players are allowed 20.

Bassitt, who signed a one-year, $18.5 million contract, last pitched on June 3^rd at Boston when he came out of an 8-1 loss after three innings.

He’s 4-4 with a 5.27 ERA in 12 games.

Mountcastle broke his foot legging out a double on April 11^th. He’s played in just eight games, and he’s 4-for-14 (.286) with an RBI.

Orioles trade Rodríguez

The Orioles traded outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez to Pittsburgh for cash considerations.

Rodríguez went 2-for-4 in the second game of last Wednesday’s doubleheader in Boston and was designated for assignment on Thursday.

In seven games with the Orioles, Rodríguez was 2-for-11 (.182) with two RBIs.

Orioles signed five free agents

After Monday’s 5 p.m. deadline for signing amateur draft choices, the Orioles announced that they had signed five college pitchers who were undrafted.

Left-handers Noah Chapman (North Carolina-Greensboro), Regan Hall (Illinois), Colton Sampson (Seminole State, Florida)      and right-handers David Lally (Michigan) and Camden Wicker (Central Florida) were signed.

The Orioles signed 18 of their 20 draft picks. They didn’t sign their 19^th pick, Texas high school outfielder Victor Salazar and 20^th round choice, Texas right-handed pitcher Ross Davis.

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com