Orioles bring back Ryan Mountcastle for Yankees series

NEW YORK – Another reinforcement is back for the Orioles, who are almost back to their best form.

Ryan Mountcastle was activated from the injured list on Tuesday before the start of the potentially decisive series against the Yankees. The Orioles can clinch a playoff spot with a win and a loss by the Royals or Twins, but if the Yankees win, they'll be in the American League East.

Eloy Jiménez, a right-hander signed by the White Sox at the deadline, was optioned to make room for Mountcastle.

Mountcastle has been on the injured list for a month as he recovers from a sprained wrist he suffered while sliding headfirst into second base on August 22. A right-handed hitter, he is a key part of the Orioles' offense, with a .265 batting average and .730 OPS, and also in the infield, where he is a Gold Glove candidate at first base.

In his absence, the Orioles have used Ryan O'Hearn and Emmanuel Rivera at first base. But with the return of Jordan Westburg and Ramon Urías on Sunday, the Orioles can return to their preferred infield lineup, with Mountcastle at first, Westburg at second, Gunnar Henderson at shortstop and Urías at third. Jackson Holliday and O'Hearn will also start against right-handed pitchers, with Holliday at second and O'Hearn at first or as a designated hitter. Rivera will also fill in at first and third base.

Given his seniority, Jiménez could have declined this option, but he has chosen to accept it and will remain in the organization.

He has a team option worth $16.5 million for next year that includes a $3 million severance package. The White Sox will be responsible for half of the severance package if the Orioles decide to go that route, which they likely will.

The Orioles, who had a long list of key players on the injured list just 10 days ago, now have only one question mark as they enter the final week of the season. Starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, who has been out since August 4 due to right latissimus/teres pain, has participated in side workouts but has not yet thrown any passes to the batters.

With the minor league season over, Rodriguez cannot go to a rehab assignment. Rodriguez could have started Game 2 or 3 of a playoff series, but the Orioles have not ruled out bringing him out of the bullpen if he is healthy but cannot get into shape in time.