O's veterans Bassitt, Mountcastle take big step toward return

DETROIT -- Two significant members of the Orioles’ roster are scheduled to begin rehab assignments on Tuesday night.

Right-hander Chris Bassitt (low back discomfort) will start for Triple-A Norfolk against Worcester, while first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (left foot fracture) will be in the lineup for the Tides. First pitch for the contest is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET at Harbor Park.

Bassitt, who has been on the injured list since June 8, underwent surgery to have a bone spur removed from his back in late June. The 37-year-old right-hander threw a bullpen session at Camden Yards on Saturday.

It is not yet clear how Bassitt will fit onto Baltimore’s pitching staff once he returns, assuming everybody stays healthy until then. Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz and Brandon Young are all pitching well, while Dean Kremer has made only four starts since returning from a right quad injury and could remain in the rotation for a bit.

After signing a one-year, $18.5 million deal on Feb. 13, Bassitt recorded a 5.27 ERA over his first 12 outings (10 starts) for the O’s. He has experience pitching in relief during his 12-year MLB career, so his role might not be set upon his return.

The most important thing at the moment, though, is for Bassitt to feel ready to pitch at the big league level again, so he could make multiple rehab starts before that’s the case.

Mountcastle hasn’t played in a game since April 11, when he sustained a fracture in his left foot while running from first to second. The 29-year-old first baseman went 4-for-14 (.286) with one double and one RBI over eight games prior to his injury.

“I’m fired up for him. I’m pumped,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Such a freak injury, and he was looking great at the plate. Obviously, that was a big blow for us, but also for him. You feel bad for him. We’re excited that he’s getting into games.”

It could also be challenging for the Orioles to find room on their roster for Mountcastle once he’s ready to return (barring further injuries). Pete Alonso is playing almost every day at first base, while Coby Mayo can also fill in there. Mayo and Christian Encarnacion-Strand are swinging hot right-handed bats and can rake against left-handed pitching.

But Bassitt and Mountcastle are quality veteran players who will improve Baltimore’s depth. And there’s always the potential for more injuries, so it’s a positive to have these two trending in the right direction and beginning a significant step in their recoveries on Tuesday.