Orioles activate Coulombe from 60-day injured list, put Smith on IL; Mountcastle begins rehab assignment

BALTIMORE–The Orioles activated left-handed relief pitcher Danny Coulombe from the 60-day injured list for Friday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. Coulombe had surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow in June.

Coulombe is 1-0 with a 2.42 ERA and a save in 29 games and did not allow any of his inherited runners to score.

He pitched in three rehab assignments for Triple-A Norfolk.

“He pitched to three hitters the other day. He said he feels great,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “Danny was a huge part of our success in the first half, great to have him back.”

To make room for Coulombe on the 28-man roster, the Orioles placed right-hander Burch Smith on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to Wednesday, because of a right adductor/groin strain.

Smith is 1-1 with a 5.74 ERA in 25 games. He last pitched Tuesday and retired all six batters he faced, striking out three.

Smith would be eligible to pitch in the American League Division Series, which begins on October 5^th. He would not be eligible for the wild-card series.

Mountcastle joins Norfolk: First baseman Ryan Mountcastle begins a rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk on Friday night. Mountcastle, who is recovering from a sprained left wrist, joins infielders Ramón Urías (sprained ankle) and Jordan Westburg.(broken hand).

“I’m hoping they feel good after the games. We have a lot to take care of it here,” Hyde said.

Starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez threw a side session on Friday. He has yet to face hitters. Rodriguez is on the 15-day injured list with right lat/teres strain.