Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle’s recovery from a hamstring injury has been delayed, extending his time away from the lineup. The team’s manager, Tony Mansolino, announced on Sunday before the Orioles faced the Chicago Cubs that Mountcastle will require additional days to fully heal after being sidelined since May 31 due to a strained right hamstring.
Earlier reports had suggested Mountcastle would rejoin the team for Monday’s series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies, but Mansolino clarified that the player remains in rehabilitation and needs more time before returning to game action.
Orioles’ Ryan Mountcastle (hamstring) isn’t going to be ready to return tomorrow for the start of their series against the Phillies, Tony Mansolino says. Needs a couple more days on rehab.
—Matt Weyrich, Journalist
The manager confirmed that the hamstring itself is healed, and the delay is intended as a precautionary measure to ensure Mountcastle does not risk further injury. Mountcastle is expected to be ready later this week, possibly for the Friday series opener against the Athletics.
Mountcastle’s Season Progress and Current Performance Challenges
Mountcastle’s 2025 season has been challenging, marked by a slow start followed by the injury setback. Before his hamstring strain occurred during a game against the Chicago White Sox on May 30, the 28-year-old’s statistics reflected a dip in performance. Across 52 games and 187 at-bats, his slash line stood at .246/.280/.348, which falls short of his career averages of .263/.313/.441. He managed just two home runs and 15 RBIs during this period.
Mountcastle, a first-round draft pick out of Paul J. Hagerty High School in 2015, has long been viewed as a cornerstone player for the Orioles. However, this season, he shared first base duties more frequently than in the past, notably with left-handed hitter Ryan O’Hearn, leading to reduced playing time for Mountcastle.
Potential Changes in Mountcastle’s Role Moving Forward
Even upon his return, Mountcastle’s role as the Orioles’ primary first baseman is uncertain. Since the trade that sent O’Hearn to the San Diego Padres, Baltimore has started integrating rookie Coby Mayo at first base. Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the Orioles appear focused on developing their younger players, which may limit Mountcastle’s everyday opportunities.
There is also speculation that Mountcastle could share time at first base with recently acquired Ryan Noda, possibly forming a platoon arrangement as the team balances veteran presence with emerging talent.
Ryan Mountcastle with an RBI 2B to make it 4-0 He is 5-9 with 2 2B, HR, 3 RBI in his rehab so far
—Norfolk Tides, Official Twitter
Mountcastle avoided arbitration ahead of the current season by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $6.787 million. He will be eligible for arbitration again next year and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Implications for the Orioles’ Lineup and Future Strategy
The extended recovery period for Mountcastle adds complexity to the Orioles’ lineup decisions as they balance immediate competitiveness with long-term player development. The team’s cautious approach to his rehab aims to prevent re-injury, but it also creates openings for rookies and other players aiming to secure their roles heading into next season.
Mountcastle’s performance and health will be critical factors in shaping Baltimore’s first base strategy going forward. Whether he can reclaim his status as the everyday starter or transition to a platoon role alongside prospects like Mayo and Noda remains a key storyline as the Orioles progress through the remainder of the 2025 season.