
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles fractured his left foot during a game against the San Francisco Giants and is uncertain about his recovery timeline, which could take a couple of months. His future with the team is now in question as he focuses on rehabilitation.
Baltimore Oriolesā Ryan Mountcastle Opens Up About Foot Injury
At one point, it looked like Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle would be a cornerstone piece. Now, the 29-year-old has to focus on rehab for the second straight year, and his future with the team is in question.
Mountcastle fractured his left foot during Saturday's 6-2 win over the San Francisco Giants, and he spoke about his outlook on Wednesday, via MLB.com's Jake Rill.
The Florida native said he's not sure how long he'll be out, but it "could be a couple months" as he receives treatment and takes supplements. He felt a pop in his foot while trying to get to second base as a baserunner.
Mountcastle played just 89 games in 2025 due to a hamstring strain, so he's gotten unlucky with his health recently. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder also recorded a career-low .653 OPS with just seven homers and 35 RBIs.
Mountcastle, who Baltimore drafted No. 36 overall in 2015, peaked as a rookie in 2021. He slashed .255/.309/.487 with 33 homers and 89 RBIs over 144 games that season, but he played 140-plus games and hit 20-plus homers just once after that.
Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle (6). Ā© Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Baltimore has gone through several changes since Mountcastle broke out in 2021. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson developed into the homegrown star, while first baseman Pete Alonso, left fielder Taylor Ward, and manager Craig Albernaz are all newcomers this year, among others.
It's going to be hard for Mountcastle to reach his 2021 heights again with the Orioles. He plays the same position as Alonso, who is their biggest star alongside Henderson, while catcher Samuel Basallo and right fielder Tyler O'Neill top the designated hitter depth chart. Unless other players get hurt, he will likely be a backup when he returns.
Meanwhile, Mountcastle has a $7.5 million club option for 2027. If the aforementioned players shine while he struggles and/or misses time, Baltimore may cut him loose in the offseason.
Mountcastle is 4-for-14 with an RBI and a walk over eight games so far this year. His lone extra-base hit was a double in his only at-bat on Saturday.
The Orioles lost 8-5 to the Arizona Diamondbacks over 10 innings in Wednesday's rubber match. Up next is a road trip starting on Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians, who they will face for four games, followed by three contests against the Kansas City Royals.
Thursday's game starts at 6:10 p.m. ET. Right-handed pitcher Shane Baz will start for Baltimore against southpaw Parker Messick.
Ryan Mountcastle fractured his left foot during the game.
Ryan Mountcastle is uncertain about his recovery timeline, but it could take a couple of months.
Mountcastle's injury raises questions about his future with the team as he focuses on rehabilitation.

Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
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