The Baltimore Orioles have faced a tough start to the 2025 season, and the hits just keep coming. On Friday, May 30, the team announced that their star center fielder, Cedric Mullins, has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain. The move, retroactive to May 29, is a significant blow to an Orioles squad already grappling with injuries and a disappointing 19-36 record. To fill the gap, the team re-signed utility player Cooper Hummel to a one-year major league contract, while transferring pitcher Cody Poteet to the 60-day injured list to clear a roster spot. This latest development has left fans and analysts buzzing about the team’s next steps as they navigate a challenging season.
Cedric Mullins’ Injury: A Setback for Baltimore
Cedric Mullins, a 2021 All-Star and one of the Orioles’ most reliable players, has been a cornerstone of the team’s outfield. Known for his speed, defensive prowess, and power at the plate, Mullins has been a fan favorite since his debut in 2018. This season, he’s been a bright spot for Baltimore, leading the team with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs while posting a .232/.324/.448 slash line over 50 games. His ability to play all three outfield positions and his knack for stealing bases—seven in nine attempts this year—make him a vital part of the Orioles’ lineup.
However, Mullins’ history with lower-body injuries raises concerns. He missed time in 2023 due to a right groin strain, and last year, he dealt with left quad tightness, though he avoided the injured list. Interim manager Tony Mansolino described the current hamstring strain as “very minor” after Mullins underwent an MRI, expressing optimism that the 30-year-old could return after the minimum 10 days. Still, the injury comes at a tough time for a team already dealing with a depleted outfield.
Mullins’ absence was noticeable in recent games. He missed three of the Orioles’ last five contests, with Dylan Carlson stepping in to cover center field. Mansolino had been cautious with Mullins, citing “little nick-nack things” that accumulate over a long season, but the MRI confirmed the need for rest. For a team struggling to find momentum, losing a player of Mullins’ caliber is a tough pill to swallow.
Cooper Hummel Returns to the Roster
To address the void left by Mullins, the Orioles turned to a familiar face: Cooper Hummel. The 30-year-old utility player has had a whirlwind week with Baltimore. On Sunday, he signed a major league contract with the team after opting out of a minor league deal with the New York Yankees. Just one day later, he was designated for assignment, only to be re-signed on Friday to replace Mullins on the active roster. It’s a dizzying sequence of events, but Hummel’s versatility makes him a practical choice for a team in need of depth.
Hummel, who can play outfield, first base, and even serve as a third catcher, brings flexibility to the roster. His major league stats are modest, with a .531 OPS across parts of three seasons, but his ability to fill multiple roles is valuable for a shorthanded squad. Hummel’s return is part of what some are calling the “Orioles roster merry-go-round,” as general manager Mike Elias navigates a series of injuries and roster moves to keep the team competitive. Whether Hummel’s second stint with the Orioles lasts longer than his first remains to be seen, but for now, he’s back in the fold.
Orioles’ Outfield Woes Deepen
Mullins’ injury is just the latest in a string of setbacks for the Orioles’ outfield. Heading into Opening Day, Baltimore boasted a strong group of outfielders, including Mullins, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Heston Kjerstad, and Ramón Laureano. Two months later, only Kjerstad remains off the injured list. Cowser is sidelined with a fractured thumb, O’Neill is dealing with a shoulder impingement, and Laureano is out with a sprained ankle. The loss of these key players has forced the Orioles to rely on backups like Dylan Carlson and even infielder Jorge Mateo in center field, with mixed results.
The silver lining? Cowser, the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year runner-up, is nearing a return from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk. His eventual comeback could provide a much-needed boost, but in the meantime, the Orioles are stretched thin. The team’s depth is being tested, and the reliance on less experienced players like Hummel and Carlson underscores the challenges of staying competitive in a tough American League East.
What’s Next for the Orioles?
The Orioles’ 2025 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. With a 19-36 record, they sit at the bottom of their division, a far cry from the playoff expectations many had before the season began. The recent firing of longtime manager Brandon Hyde and the hiring of John Mabry as a senior advisor signal that changes are afoot as the team looks toward 2026. Injuries to key players like Mullins, combined with a lackluster overall performance, have sparked discussions about potential trades at the deadline.
Mullins, who will hit free agency in 2026, has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate. His combination of speed, defense, and power makes him an attractive option for contending teams like the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Analysts suggest that Baltimore could look to move Mullins to acquire prospects or address other roster needs, especially if the season continues to spiral. The Orioles reportedly have a potential replacement in prospect Bradfield, but trading a player of Mullins’ caliber would be a bold move for a team in transition.
For now, the focus is on getting Mullins healthy and stabilizing the roster. The addition of Hummel and the transfer of Poteet to the 60-day injured list are stopgap measures, but they highlight the Orioles’ need for creative solutions. Poteet, who has a 4.20 ERA in 25 career games, is out with shoulder inflammation, further depleting Baltimore’s pitching depth. As the team heads into a six-game road trip to Seattle and Sacramento, they’ll need to lean on their remaining players to turn things around.
Fan Reactions and Looking Ahead
Orioles fans have taken to social media to express their frustration and concern. Posts on X reflect the sentiment that Mullins’ injury is another setback in an already difficult season. Some fans remain hopeful, pointing to the “very minor” nature of the strain and Cowser’s impending return. Others are calling for bigger changes, from trades to a full-scale rebuild. The team’s passionate fanbase is eager for signs of improvement, but the road ahead looks tough.
As Baltimore prepares to face the Chicago White Sox in their series opener, all eyes will be on how the team adjusts without Mullins. Hummel’s return offers a temporary solution, but the Orioles will need more than patchwork fixes to salvage their season. Whether it’s a speedy recovery for Mullins, the return of other key players, or bold moves at the trade deadline, the Orioles are at a crossroads. For now, fans can only hope that this latest injury is a minor bump in the road and that brighter days are ahead for their beloved team.
In the meantime, the Orioles will continue to battle through adversity, with Cooper Hummel stepping into the spotlight and Cedric Mullins working to get back on the field. As the season progresses, Baltimore’s resilience will be put to the test, and the baseball world will be watching to see how they respond.
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