Cedric Mullins Hits the Injured List: What It Means for the Orioles and Their Season

The Orioles have had a rough season, and now they’re facing more challenges. Center fielder Cedric Mullins is out with a right hamstring strain. He’s been placed on the 10-day injured list, which was retroactively started on May 29. This move follows the signing of Cooper Hummel, who takes over Mullins’ spot on the roster.

Mullins’ injury adds to the team’s struggles. Currently, they have a disappointing record of 19-36. Losing Mullins is tough, especially since he adds value both at the plate and in center field. His batting average this season is .232, with a slugging percentage of .448.

Interestingly, Mullins began the season strong. In April, he played like a potential MVP, hitting .278 with a .515 slugging percentage. However, May has been tough for him. His strikeout rate jumped to 30.7%, and he hit only .179. This sharp decline may be a sign that he’s feeling pressure.

Injuries can sometimes provide an unexpected break. For Mullins, this could be a good chance to reset and refocus. When he was performing well, he avoided swinging at bad pitches. But lately, he’s been chasing too many, swinging at 52% of pitches he sees.

This injury comes at a challenging time since Mullins is a free agent after this season. While a mild strain isn’t likely to hurt his prospects too much, it’s still a setback as he tries to improve his performance.

The Orioles are not alone in facing these challenges. According to a recent survey from ESPN, teams in similar positions often experience a loss in morale and performance when key players go down.

Mullins isn’t the only player on the injured list. Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, and Ramon Laureano are also sidelined, leaving the team’s outfield looking thin. This could open doors for players like Heston Kjerstad and Dylan Carlson to step up. Fortunately, Cowser is nearing a return just as Mullins goes down.

In short, the next few games will be crucial for the Orioles. They’ll need to adjust quickly and find a way to rally together despite these injuries. With strong performances from remaining players, they may find a path forward even in this tough season.



Source link

cedric mullins,cody poteet,colton cowser,cooper hummel