Mountcastle and Bassitt beginning rehab assignments, Rodríguez traded, latest on draft signings
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July 27, 2026 6:29 pm
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The Orioles are approaching another deadline that’s going to impact their roster.
Manager Craig Albernaz told the media in Detroit, in a session that aired on MASN, that first baseman Ryan Mountcastle and starter Chris Bassitt are beginning injury rehab assignments Tuesday night at Triple-A Norfolk. Mountcastle has gone through his rehab program in Sarasota. Bassitt threw a bullpen session over the weekend at Camden Yards.
Albernaz provided an update on Bassitt Saturday, including the two “ups” that convinced the organization that the right-hander was recovered from lower-back surgery to remove a bone spur.
“He looked great, he felt great,” Albernaz said. “Ball was coming out well. He was moving well down the mound. So it was a very encouraging bullpen for Bass.”
Bassitt is on the 60-day injured list and eligible to return Aug. 4. He’s made 12 appearances, including 10 starts, and posted a 5.27 ERA and 1.633 WHIP in 56 1/3 innings.
The rotation, which currently holds Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Brandon Young, Shane Baz and Dean Kremer, has posted a 3.48 ERA since May 24, the third best in the majors behind the Tigers (2.98) and Dodgers (3.44). Bassitt made his last start June 3 in Boston and allowed three runs and six hits in three innings.
In his previous outing, Bassitt held the Blue Jays to one run over six innings.
Mountcastle hasn’t played since fracturing the fourth metatarsal his left foot while running out a double on April 11. He was 4-for-14 in eight games.
Mountcastle avoided arbitration by signing a $6.787 contract in January that included a $7.5 million option for 2027. His at-bats were limited before the injury because the Orioles signed first baseman Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal.
Having Samuel Basallo on the roster also made it harder for the Orioles to use Mountcastle as the designated hitter. But his return would give them another option against left-handers.
It isn’t happening anytime soon. Mountcastle will need to get plenty of at-bats before the Orioles view him as ready.
*The Orioles traded outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez to the Pirates for cash considerations.
Rodríguez was designated for assignment on Thursday when the Orioles claimed catcher Yohel Pozo on waivers. Pozo was recalled this afternoon from Double-A Chesapeake.
*The deadline passed to sign draft picks and the Orioles secured their first 18.
The only two who didn’t sign are prep outfielder Victor Salazar (19th round) and prep right-hander Ross Davis (20th round).
Five undrafted free agents also agreed to terms – right-handers David Lally (Michigan) and Camden Wicker (Central Florida) and left-handers Noah Chapman (UNC Greensboro), Regan Hall (Illinois) and Colton Sampson (Seminole State College).
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