Why Are Two Of Orioles' Biggest Stars Missing From Lineup Again?

Two of the Baltimore Orioles biggest stars in Ryan Mountcastle and Austin Hays are once again missing from the spring training lineup. Why?

Kade Kistner | Mar 16, 2024

Why Are Two Of Orioles' Biggest Stars Missing From Lineup Again? /

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Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are getting ready for Opening Day which is just two weeks away.

The Orioles have an incredibly talented roster, perhaps better than the one that won the American League East last season. Hopes and expectations are high when it comes to building off of a 101-win performance and playoff berth.

Those same hopes will depend one everyone playing their role, that includes first baseman Ryan Mountcastle and outfielder Austin Hays.

Both turned heads in 2023 and played a pivotal role in propelling Baltimore to contender status. However, each player has now missed multiple MLB Spring Training games in a row.

According to MASN, Mountcastle has some neck stiffness and the team is giving him some rest. He has missed four consecutive spring training games.

As for Hays, he is felling "under the weather" so he is clearly dealing with some type of illness that is severe enough to keep him from game action.

Considering it is still spring training, the team could be taking extra precaution to protect two of their core players. If this was the regular season, perhaps both of them would still be getting some game action.

In 2023, Mountcastle slashed .270/.328/.452 with 18 home runs. Meanwhile, Hays produced a slashline of .275/.325/.444 with 16 home runs en route to his first MLB All-Star appearance.

Both have seen steady improvement over the years and now play a pivotal role within the Orioles clubhouse for the younger players. Getting them both back healthy and reading for Opening Day is paramount.

Published Mar 16, 2024

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.