Orioles Injury Update: Cedric Mullins sidelined, Colton Cowser return imminent

The story of the 2025 Baltimore Orioles can't be told without mentioning injuries. No team has dealt with more additions and drops from its roster than Baltimore through the season's first two months. The O's used an MLB-high 28 pitchers through 55 games, and are tied with four other teams for the most players used in games with 44.

There were 14 players on the Orioles' injured list at one point. That number dropped to as low as nine in the regular season, but is now back into double-digits and growing once again. The latest addition is another tough blow for Baltimore.

Outfielder Cedric Mullins was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday afternoon after an MRI revealed a "very minor" strain in his right hamstring, per interim manager Tony Mansolino. The Orioles hope it'll be a minimal stay for Mullins, who missed a pair of games this week before returning to the lineup Wednesday. He went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and scored twice in a 6-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Mullins joins fellow outfielders Colton Cowser, Tyler O'Neill, and Ramon Laureano on the IL. Mansolino said Cowser is expected to return during Baltimore's upcoming road trip, which begins on June 3 in Seattle. He has three doubles and a home run in four minor league rehab games. Cowser's been out since fracturing his left thumb in the fourth game of the season.

As for O'Neill and Laureano, when they'll return is still debatable. O'Neill resumed baseball activities earlier this week and might begin a rehab assignment soon. This is his second stint on the IL this season. Laureano took batting practice Friday for the first time since sustaining a left ankle sprain on May 20. It's unclear what his next steps are.

Third baseman Jordan Westburg and catcher Gary Sanchez are expected to rejoin the Orioles sometime in June. Westburg began a rehab assignment on May 29, while Sanchez took batting practice three days earlier with no limitations.

Several Orioles pitchers targeting summer returns

Much of the talk surrounding the Orioles' struggles has centered around the pitching staff. Baltimore enters play Friday with a 5.49 staff ERA, ranked 28th in the majors. The Orioles have allowed the most home runs.

Three key pitchers remain out, and none are expected to return before August, although two are progressing well. Kyle Bradish threw a bullpen session on May 26 and wants to face live hitters in the next couple of weeks with an August return in his sights. Tyler Wells is behind Bradish in his progress, but said he's happy with how everything feels.

The biggest injury mystery with an Orioles pitcher lies with Grayson Rodriguez. Rodriguez hit the shelf on Opening Day with right elbow inflammation and added a right lat strain to his ailments. He hasn't thrown off a mound since being diagnosed with the lat strain. The Orioles haven't put a stamp on when he might do that.

Right-hander Albert Suarez said Friday he's been throwing for over a week, per Roch Kubatko. Suarez is eligible to come off the 60-day IL, but there's no timetable.

The Orioles moved reliever Cody Poteet to the 60-day IL, meaning he won't be able to return before late June. Poteet pitched in one game for Baltimore before dealing with right shoulder inflammation.

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