Orioles News: Injured O's making progress, a new coach, and West Coast trip begins

The Baltimore Orioles began the first week of June on a high note following their first sweep of the season last weekend. There's been plenty of talk about the O's improving once they get key players back from injury. That sentiment will be tested this month.

The Orioles activated outfielder Colton Cowser off the injured list Monday, ending a two-month absence for the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year runner-up. Cowser fractured his thumb in Baltimore's fourth game of the season.

He's expected to rejoin the O's lineup Tuesday night after crushing the ball during his minor league rehab assignment. Cowser recorded four doubles and a home run in six games with High-A Aberdeen and Triple-A Norfolk. He was 2-for-16 with a homer in four MLB games before the injury.

Third baseman Jordan Westburg could also be activated this week. He's played in three rehab games with Norfolk as he continues to ramp up from a hamstring injury that kept him on the shelf for a month.

Tyler O'Neill and Ramon Laureano are not far behind and might rejoin the Orioles in the next week or two. Baltimore also doesn’t expect the IL stints for Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle to last beyond the minimum 10 days, lining them up for a return during the O's next homestand that begins on June 10.

Orioles add John Mabry to coaching staff as Baltimore embarks on West Coast swing

The Orioles brought a veteran voice to the clubhouse last weekend, announcing the hiring of John Mabry as a senior advisor to the major league coaching staff. Mabry played 14 seasons in the MLB before transitioning to coaching. Baltimore is his fourth coaching stop after holding positions with the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, and Miami Marlins for 12 seasons.

Mabry will be in the dugout during games and provide insight for interim manager Tony Mansolino. He has ties to several Orioles players, including Ryan O'Hearn from their time with the Royals. Mabry is excited for the opportunity and looks forward to helping players improve in any way he can.

“I’m going to get to know them. You always watch stuff, but you want to see it firsthand and see what’s going on,” Mabry said, per Jake Rill. “Just going to be a helping hand, just be an available resource for coaches and players. Just to get to know everything that’s going on and be available.”

On Tuesday, Baltimore begins a six-game road trip against the Seattle Mariners and the Athletics. The Orioles made a similar trip last July, taking both series over the Mariners and A's with a 4-2 record.

The O's made out well last time they were out west, winning two of three against the Los Angeles Angels in May. They'll try to extend their winning streak to four games when Tomoyuki Sugano takes the mound in Tuesday's opener in Seattle.

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