The Baltimore Orioles have been dealt a significant blow as starting first baseman Ryan Mountcastle is expected to miss 8 to 12 weeks due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. Interim manager Tony Mansolino confirmed the timeline on Friday, calling the situation “incredibly disappointing.”
Mountcastle suffered the injury on May 30 and has been sidelined since. After undergoing an MRI and further testing, the diagnosis revealed a partial hamstring tear more severe than a typical strain but not a complete rupture, which would be classified as Grade 3.
While Mountcastle has struggled offensively this season batting .246 with just two home runs and 15 RBI in 52 games his past power numbers, including a 33-home run season in 2021, highlight what the Orioles will be missing over the next couple of months.
To fill the void, the Orioles are expected to rely on Coby Mayo and Ryan O’Hearn. Mayo, the organization’s No. 2 prospect, has yet to make an offensive impact in limited action, hitting just .120 in eight games. O’Hearn, however, has been a standout, posting a .324 average with nine home runs and 23 RBI. If Mayo doesn’t show improvement at the plate soon, O’Hearn will likely continue to see the bulk of the playing time at first base.
With Mountcastle sidelined until at least August, Baltimore will need one of these replacements to step up to maintain their momentum in the playoff race.
