Orioles Try Ryan Mountcastle At Third Base

After much deliberation and debate, the Orioles decided to move Ryan Mountcastle to a new position while also promoting him from high Class A Frederick to Double-A Bowie.

Drafted as a shortstop in the first round in 2015, Mountcastle now is experimenting with third base because of concerns about his arm strength. He remains on the left side of the infield to ease the adjustment.

“They just said, ‘You’re playing third up there. Just work hard and play your game,’ ” said Mountcastle, 20, who debuted at his new position on July 20. “Whatever it takes, I’m ready to do. It’s not too much of a transition. Whatever the organization wants me to do, I’m going to do it. Perfectly fine with me.”

Mountcastle, an Oviedo, Fla., prep product, probably would have ranked among the Top 100 Prospect if scouts could determine a position for him. His bat never comes into question. He leads the minors with 39 doubles and at Frederick hit .314/.343/.542 with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs in 88 games.

“He signed as an infielder and we’re going to see if his skills translate at third,” executive vice president Dan Duquette said. “The kid has really good abilities, and he’s one of the leaders in extra-base hits in the minors. We wanted to get him some experience in Double-A this season, giving him a foundation going into next year.

“That Double-A team is a good ballclub. We’re hoping he gets some experience in the playoffs, too.

“He’s improving with his defense. He has pretty good feet and is a good athlete who makes some real athletic plays. He continues to work on developing arm strength. And he’s swinging the bat well.”

BIRD SEED

• The Orioles placed 2013 first-round righthander Hunter Harvey on an injury rehab schedule that calls for him to make one start per week, with a bullpen session and light throwing in between. Harvey had Tommy John surgery in July 2016.

• Bowie outfielder Austin Hays needed 10 stitches to close a cut above his left eye after fouling a ball off his face during a July 23 game. The 2016 third-rounder out of Jacksonville has emerged as one of the Orioles’ top position prospects and could be in their Opening Day lineup next year.