Orioles pregame notes on Mountcastle, Holliday, Dubin and more

Ryan Mountcastle

Ryan Mountcastle didn’t play the past two days in Chicago because of a sore finger, but he’s batting leadoff tonight for the first time in his career.

Mountcastle is part of interim manager Tony Mansolino’s right-handed lineup against Yankees lefty Max Fried.

“Just trying to give Jackson (Holliday) a blow for today,” Mansolino said. “Like a lot of guys this time of year, they’re kind of nicked up in a lot of ways. Just felt like he needed to take the day. I think if you’re in the hunt, Jackson’s probably playing today.”

Holliday has reached base in all seven of his career games against the Yankees. David Newhan was the last Oriole to do it in 2004, per STATS. Brian Roberts (14) was the last to reach in at least eight games in a row from 2001-03.

Mansolino wants to give Mountcastle more playing time down the stretch, though Coby Mayo remains the primary first baseman.

Orioles recall Ragsdale and put Dubin on injured list

shawn dubin

The Orioles brought up another new pitcher this morning, recalling right-hander Carson Ragsdale from Triple-A Norfolk and placing Shawn Dubin on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort.

Ragsdale will wear No. 83. He’s waiting to make his major league debut after posting a 3.47 ERA and 1.157 WHIP in seven games (five starts) with Norfolk.

Ragsdale, 27, began the season with Triple-A Sacramento in the Giants’ organization. The Orioles claimed him on waivers Aug. 3.

If Ragsdale gets into a game, he’ll be the 68th player used by the Orioles this season.

Dubin made seven relief appearances and allowed three runs in eight innings. He pitched Friday and was charged with three runs and four hits in 1 2/3.

Orioles notes on Contreras leaving, Dubin arriving, and Beavers and Holliday in the order

Cade Povich

The business side of baseball reared up and bit reliever Roansy Contreras earlier today with news that the Orioles designated him for assignment to make room for right-hander Shawn Dubin.

Contreras finally got the call this week and made his Orioles debut last night, tossing 4 1/3 scoreless innings behind opener Dietrich Enns. He’s out of minor league options and would need to pass through waivers before the Orioles could outright him.

“Those are tough decisions,” said interim manager Tony Mansolino. “There was a lot of time spent on that, trying to figure out what the right thing to do was. We’ve got a lot of smart people who are looking at a lot of different type of information and trying to make the best decision they can.

“The coach in me wants him to get claimed because we want our players to play in the major leagues and get opportunities. The Baltimore Oriole in me wants him to get through and go unclaimed and be back in the fold for us.”

Dubin will be in the bullpen today.

Orioles add Dubin and subtract Contreras

Shawn Dubin

Reliever Shawn Dubin has reported to the Orioles after a waiver claim from the Astros earlier this week. Roansy Contreras was designated for assignment to make room for him on the active roster.

The 40-man roster has 39 players.

Tough business. Contreras tossed 4 1/3 scoreless relief innings last night in his Orioles debut and is in limbo this morning.

"I'm very thankful to the Orioles organization for giving me the opportunity to be up in the big leagues and be here with them now,” he said last night. “So I'm very thankful for them.”

Contreras was the 65th player used by the Orioles this season. Dubin can become the 66th. Tyler Wells will be reinstated from the 60-day injured list when rosters expand and can become the 67th if someone doesn’t beat him to it.

Orioles notes on rotation, Dubin, Machín, Young and more (plus lineups)

Brandon Young

The Orioles will switch to a six-man rotation after Tyler Wells is placed on the expanded roster next month.

Wells will become part of a unit that includes Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Dean Kremer, Tomoyuki Sugano and Cade Povich. The Orioles chose to start Wells rather than move him to the bullpen.

“If everybody can stay healthy, that would be great,” said interim manager Tony Mansolino.

“It’s good. It gives Dean an extra day, it gives Tomo an extra day. Nobody will pitch on regular rest the rest of the year.”

Bradish responded favorably to his first start beyond an injury rehab assignment last night since June 2024.

Orioles call up Contreras and Rivera, option Hiraldo and DFA Machín

Emmaunuel Rivera

The Orioles are tampering with their roster again, with two more players coming in and two more going out.

Roansy Contreras was activated from the taxi squad and had his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk, and he’ll work in bulk relief tonight, his first major league appearance since Sept. 29, 2024 with the Angels. He posted a 3.73 ERA in 28 appearances (14 starts) with Norfolk.

Infielder Emmanuel Rivera also had his contract selected.

To create room, the Orioles optioned Yaramil Hiraldo, who was charged with three runs last night in 1 1/3 innings and has a 5.65 ERA in 12 games, and they designated infielder Vimael Machín for assignment. They also transferred pitcher Brandon Young (hamstring) to the 60-day injured list, which ends his season.

Contreras will be the 64th player used by the Orioles this season, two more than the franchise record set in 2021.

Orioles claim Dubin, reinstate Bradish

Kyle Bradish ALDS Game 1 white

Another bullpen move is coming for the Orioles.

The club announced today that it claimed right-hander Shawn Dubin on waivers from the Astros. He hasn’t reported.

Dubin, 29, made 23 appearances this season and posted a 5.61 ERA and 1.481 WHIP in 25 2/3 innings. Three of his last four outings came against the Orioles, when he allowed nine runs in four innings. His ERA was 1.33 on June 20 and he didn’t pitch again for Houston until Aug. 12.

The Astros designated Dubin for assignment on Saturday. He’s out of minor league options and has registered a 4.95 ERA and 1.550 WHIP in 57 games over three seasons.

The Orioles already have used a franchise-record 63 players this season. The old record was 62 in 2021.