Rich Dubroff

Orioles’ Mountcastle out 8-12 weeks with left hamstring strain; Henderson rests; Westburg nears return

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WEST SACRAMENTO, California—First baseman Ryan Mountcastle has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, and he’ll be out eight-to-12 weeks, according to the Orioles.

Mountcastle injured the hamstring on May 30th stealing home in the front end of a double steal against the White Sox. His run was the margin of difference in a 2-1 win. Mountcastle was put on the 10-day injured list the next day.

“We love Mounty. He’s a huge piece of this for us,” interim manager Tony Mansolino said on Friday before the Orioles tried to extend their winning streak to seven against the A’s. “He’ll be back at some point. It’s incredibly disappointing. I feel for him. The group feels for him. We’ve got to move forward. We’ve got some good players here that will step up and pick up the slack.”

When Mountcastle was hurt, the Orioles recalled Coby Mayo, who’s playing first base on Friday night. Mountcastle’s injury could give Mayo an extended chance.

“He’s been in there almost every game,” Mansolino said. “He’s getting an opportunity. There’s a lot that goes into playing there. We ultimately have to write the lineup to win the game that night … That’s what frames the decision on who plays and who doesn’t.”

Henderson out of the lineup: Shortstop Gunnar Henderson isn’t in the Orioles’ lineup Friday. He’s played in each of the 54 games he’s been eligible for once he came off the injured list on April 4th.

“Just trying not to run guys into the ground,” Mansolino said. “We’ve got to give these young kids a day every once in a while … When healthy players get a planned offday every once in a while, it might spark something for them. With Gunn, he’s been doing just fine, but it probably is a good day to do it.”

Laureano returns, Westburg getting closer: Outfielder Ramón Laureano is the designated hitter for the Orioles after being reinstated from the injured list, and that’s welcome news for Mansolino.

“He’s a heck of a player,” Mansolino said. “His offense, his defense, his baserunning, his leadership. There’s some power. There’s some walks.”

Laureano went 3-for-8 (.375) with a home run in two games for Triple-A Norfolk.

“I usually don’t like to really do rehab, but because of the injury, I had to,” said Laureano, who had an ankle injury.

On Thursday, Laureano, catcher Gary Sánchez and infielder Jordan Westburg all homered in their rehab game.

“I didn’t know Sánchez hit a homer until we were talking that night,” Laureano said. “We’re in Triple-A doing a rehab game, everybody’s in their own world.”

Westburg is on the injured list with a strained left hamstring. Sánchez, who has a scheduled offday on Friday, has right wrist inflammation. Outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who will play this weekend at Norfolk, has a left shoulder injury. Mansolino said there won’t be more than one player activated from the injured list for Tuesday night’s game against Detroit.

“You won’t see all three. You’ll see Westy play these next couple of days most likely,” Mansolino said. “He’s probably the most likely to be there Tuesday. These other guys have missed a little bit of time, too. We need them to get their at-bats and get going.”

Carlson at home: Outfielder Dylan Carlson grew up in nearby Elk Grove as an Athletics fan. Sacramento was the A’s top minor league affiliate from 2000-2014. Now, it’s the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A team.

“Pretty unique opportunity and experience for me, growing up just five, 10 minutes away,” Carlson said. “Coming to ballgames here as a kid, sitting right above the first base dugout.”

Carlson has 15 ticket requests for Friday night and 12 for Saturday from family and friends.

“I’m sure that number will climb. I’m sure I’ll get some people walking up to me here soon asking,” Carlson said.

He never dreamed he’d play a major league game in a minor league ballpark. Sutter Health Park is the home for the Athletics for the next three seasons while a permanent home for them is built in Las Vegas.

“Everyone is trying to make the best of it and do what they can,” Carlson said. “It’s probably not the most ideal.”

The Orioles’ clubhouse is in left-center field.

“A little bit of a hike to get there, which isn’t normal for most stadiums we play at.”

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: [email protected].

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