Mountcastle named AL Player of the Week

Ryan Mountcastle's vicious attack on the sophomore slump hasn't gone unnoticed.

Mountcastle has been named the American League's Player of the Week after posting a .458 average (11-for-24) with three doubles, four home runs, 10 RBIs, seven runs scored and a 1.083 slugging percentage in six games.

Among his other accomplishments were:

* Recording at least one hit in every game, including four multi-hit efforts.

* Homering in three consecutive games for the first time in his career, the first Orioles rookie to do it since Jonathan Schoop in September 2014.

* Registering at least one extra-base hit and RBI in six games in a row dating back to May 31, tying the second-longest streak in franchise history. Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson holds the record with seven from July 17-23, 1976.

* Becoming the first Orioles player to have at least 11 hits, seven extra-base hits and 10 RBIs over six games since Trey Mancini in September 2019.

Mountcastle, who retained his rookie status this year, has raised his average from .225 on May 29 to .254, and his OPS from .614 to .729.

His presence in the middle of the order has helped the Orioles go 4-1 this month after a 14-game losing streak.

A 2-for-28 slump in April is becoming a distant memory.

"He's got all the talent in the world," Mancini said recently.

"He's got some of the quickest hands, some of the most natural hitting ability I've ever seen. I think he's an incredible hitter, I think he's going to have an amazing career and I think he's got the potential to be a multiple-year All-Star guy. I really do.

Mountcastle is a first-time winner of the award and the second Oriole to receive it in 2021. Left-hander John Means was honored after throwing a no-hitter on May 5 in Seattle.

Cedric Mullins also earned consideration, according to Major League Baseball's press release. Mullins reached base in 11 consecutive plate appearances and collected hits in nine straight to fall one short of Ken Singleton's club record set in 1981.

The center fielder registered a .542 average, collecting 13 hits, and a .607 OPS. He hit three home runs over the last two games.

Mullins ranks third in the league with a .322 average and first in hits with 73. His .390 on-base percentage is fifth and .923 OPS seventh.

It's been a good day for the Orioles, who are off before opening a two-game series against the Mets Tuesday night at Camden Yards.

Baseball America's new top 100 prospects list includes Double-A Bowie right-hander Grayson Rodriguez at No. 11, making him the highest-rated pitcher.

The Orioles' system now includes the top pitcher and catcher, with Bowie's Adley Rutschman at No. 2.

Read more here.