Orioles activate Ryan Mountcastle and release reliever Craig Kimbrel.
**NEW YORK** — The Baltimore Orioles activated first baseman Ryan Mountcastle from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday after he missed a month due to a sprained left wrist.
The Orioles also released reliever Craig Kimbrel ahead of their series opener against the New York Yankees and optioned outfielder Eloy Jiménez to Triple-A Norfolk.
Mountcastle sustained his wrist injury while diving into second base during a game against Houston on August 22. He is currently batting .267 with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs.
“Adds another really good right-handed hitter for us,” said manager Brandon Hyde.
Mountcastle had a single as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning and then took over at first base.
Kimbrel had been designated for assignment on September 18. The 36-year-old, a nine-time All-Star, ranks fifth on the all-time saves list with 440. He recorded a 5.33 ERA and 23 saves in 29 opportunities with the Orioles after signing a one-year, $13 million contract.
Jiménez, who will turn 28 in November, was acquired from the Chicago White Sox at the trade deadline for minor league left-hander Trey McGough. He batted .232 with one home run and seven RBIs in 33 games for the Orioles, leaving him with a season average of .238, six home runs, and 23 RBIs. He is in the final guaranteed season of a $43 million, six-year deal.
Since he has over five years of major league service, Jiménez could not be optioned without his consent.
In the past 10 days, the Orioles have welcomed back right-handed reliever Jacob Webb (Sept. 15), outfielder Heston Kjerstad (Sept. 15), lefty reliever Danny Coulombe (Sept. 20), infielder Jordan Westburg (Sunday), and third baseman Ramón Urías (Sunday).
Right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, out since July 31 due to a right lat injury, is still not facing hitters and did not make the trip.
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