How Cedric Mullins Fared In the 2021 MLB All-Star Game

Cedric Mullins represented the Baltimore Orioles well, aiding the American League in a 5-2 win over the National League in the MLB All-Star Game

On Tuesday, Major League Baseball held its 91st annual All-Star Game at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, closing out a three-day stretch of All-Star festivities. The American League jumped out to an early lead in the game and never waivered, defeating the National League by a score of 5-2. Among the players who aided the American League to its eighth consecutive All-Star Game victory was Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins.

Following the second round of fan voting, which determined the starting lineup of the respective leagues, Mullins was left to be selected to the team as a reserve. However, with Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout continuing to work his way back from a calf strain he suffered in May, Mullins was vaulted into the American League’s starting lineup. Mullins would bat ninth and play center field to begin the game.

In his first at-bat of the game, Mullins was tasked with facing Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes. The powerful right-handed Burnes entered the 2021 season showing off his elite combination of strikeout stuff and command of his arsenal, setting the all-time record for strikeouts without issuing a walk to begin a season. Much like many of the batters who have faced Burnes this season, Mullins was outmatched by his cutter, going down swinging on five pitches to open the third inning.

In his second appearance at the plate, Mullins faced Miami Marlins breakout rookie pitcher Trevor Rogers. In his inning of work, Rogers delivered a fastball that clocked in at 98.8 MPH, the fastest pitch he’s thrown in his Major League career. Despite the uptick in velocity, Mullins was able to slap a ball up the middle, which was questionably ruled an error on San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford rather than a base hit for the Orioles’ lone All-Star. Regardless, Mullins reached base on the play and later came around to score on a single by Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts.

Although he didn’t record a hit, Mullins’ outing in the All-Star Game was a joy to watch for Orioles fans and will be something to remember as the 2021 season rolls on.