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Orioles: Ryan Mountcastle Named AL Rookie of the Month

By Robert Sobus Jr.

May 22, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder Ryan Mountcastle (6) runs off the field during the eighth inning of the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder Ryan Mountcastle (6) runs off the field during the eighth inning of the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ryan Mountcastle continues to receive honors this season, being named AL Rookie of the Month in June after a stellar performance

The Baltimore Orioles have a plethora of talented players despite what their team record may be. On Friday, MLB announced that first baseman/outfielder/designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle was named American League Rookie of the Month.

Prior to Mountcastle, the last Orioles player to earn American League Rookie of the Month was pitcher Brian Matusz in August 2010.

Mountcastle, 24, is in his second season with Baltimore, although he is still considered a rookie due to the shortened 2020 season. The former first-round draft pick has been making a statement to be in the team’s everyday lineup. His stellar breakout performance in June may have solidified his spot.

During the month of June, Mountcastle hit .327 with nine home runs, 26 RBIs, 13 XBH, 1.015 OPS, and a .634 SLG in 26 games played.

This isn’t the slugger’s first honor this season. After the first week of June, Mountcastle was named American League Player of the Week.

Mountcastle wanted to keep the momentum going. He sure found a way to keep the bat hot.

“As of right now, I’m feeling pretty good,” Mountcastle told PressBox. “I’ll try to keep it rolling.”

So far this season, Mountcastle has a .263 BA, 14 home runs, 47 RBIs, .770 OPS, and a .468 SLG in 75 games played.

Players on the team see the potential in Mountcastle. First baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini gives the rookie high praise.

“He’s got all the talent in the world,” Mancini told PressBox. “He’s like me, the name of the game is confidence and the name of the game for both of us is not chasing too many pitches, getting in hitter’s counts. If we’re in hitter’s counts, we’re going to be pretty darn good, and Ryan especially.

While the Orioles may not be exciting to watch right now, players like Mountcastle give fans faith in the rebuilding process. Mountcastle is a player Baltimore can count on for years to come.

In two seasons with the Orioles, Mountcastle has .285 BA, 19 home runs, 70 RBIs, .804 OPS, and a .475 SLG.

Expect Ryan Mountcastle to earn more time in the lineup as the season progresses. The rookie has certainly earned his spot on the roster.

Next. Tyler Wells Continues to Impress out of Orioles Bullpen. dark

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