Orioles place Mountcastle on injured list with strained right hamstring, recall Mayo

BALTIMORE—Another day, another Oriole on the injured list. On Friday, centerfielder Cedric Mullins was placed on the 10-day injured list. On Saturday, it was first baseman Ryan Mountcastle. Both have strained right hamstrings.

The Orioles recalled infielder Coby Mayo from Triple-A Norfolk, who’s batting sixth and serving as the designated hitter in Saturday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.

Mountcastle, who stole home in the sixth inning on Friday night with what turned out to be the winning run in a 2-1 victory, had an MRI on Saturday morning.

“Don’t know the severity just yet,” interim manager Tony Mansolino said. “Optimistic … the better word is hopeful that it’s not too bad. We’ll probably find out more later today or tomorrow.”

The Orioles are hoping that outfielder Colton Cowser and infielder Jordan Westburg are getting close to returning from the injured list. Cowser fractured his thumb with a headfirst slide into first, and Westburg has had a strained left hamstring that’s been slow to heal.

Mansolino recognizes that injuries are part of the game, even if it seems as if the Orioles have had more than their fair share.

“There’s no sympathy in this game,” Mansolino said. “As many games we’ve won here in Baltimore the last two years, the other 29 teams do not feel sorry for us.

“You feel it in there and you also feel the excitement of those guys coming back. It’s an important feeling to have and to understand and to accept. I’m not looking for sympathy from anybody. We’re not getting it. Whoever we have, we have to give our best effort and try to win the game.”

Outfielder Ramón Laureano, one of 12 Orioles on the injured list, also could be close to returning from an ankle injury.

“We’ve got to be smart with him,” Mansolino said. “It’s a veteran player that knows his body and understands what he needs to do to help us win a major league game.”

With Cowser, Laureano and Tyler O’Neill on the injured list, it puts the Orioles in a precarious outfield situation.

To help, the Orioles purchased the contract of Jordyn Adams from Triple-A Norfolk. Adams had a .176 average in 28 games with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023 and 2024.

“There’s a scenario late in the game where if we get a lead, you might see him pop in there somewhere,” Mansolino said.

Mayo looking for extended opportunity

Mayo was 1-for-12 (.083) earlier this month, and is 5-for-53 (.094) in three stints with the Orioles over the last two years. He’s hoping to get an extended opportunity.

“Any player will tell you it’s definitely more comfortable when you’re playing every day,” Mayo said. “Obviously, those things are out of your control. You have to come in here and make your opportunities worth it when you get those.”

He’s the designated hitter on Saturday and will play some first base. Mansolino doesn’t expect Mayo to play a lot of third base with Ramón Urías having a good year.

Mayo is hitting .226 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs with the Tides, though only .180 with 26 strikeouts in his last 17 games.

“I think we’re still trying to win games in the big leagues,” Mansolino said. “I think we’re still trying to get back in this thing and make a run. I think it’s important to balance development and trying to win the game that night.”

Mansolino was the infield coach before his promotion two weeks ago and worked extensively with Mayo on improving his defense.

“I think he’s trending upwards. I think he’s doing better,” Mansolino said. “I think it’s something he needs to work hard at.”

O’Neill optimistic about return

O’Neill, who has a left shoulder injury, will travel with the Orioles to Seattle but won’t be active. He is looking to go on a rehab assignment, perhaps next weekend.

“Pain’s pretty much gone now. It’s just a matter of buildup,” O’Neill said. “I want to make sure I’m building up volume and intensity before heading out on a rehab assignment.”

The 29-year-old has been on the injured twice this season and 16 times in his major league career.

“I’m thankful for the time I’ve taken this time to make sure I’m in a good spot,” O’Neill said. “It’s sure added up this year. A lot of our key players have been hurt … Hopefully, we all get back and healthy soon enough and have a strong finish to the year.”

Notes: Albert Suárez, who played long toss from 90 feet on Saturday, thinks that he could return after the All-Star break. He’s on the 60-day injured list with a rotator cuff injury. “To be 100 percent and to be able to help the team, that’s about the time my body will feel 100 percent, whether starting or in the bullpen,” he said. … To make room on the 40-man roster for Adams, the Orioles designated catcher Chadwick Tromp for assignment.

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