Baltimore Orioles Activate All-Star Outfielder Cedric Mullins From Injured List
The Baltimore Orioles have activated outfielder Cedric Mullins from the 10-day injured list, the team officially announced Friday.
To make room for Mullins, the Orioles optioned outfielder Ryan McKenna to Triple-A Norfolk. Baltimore also optioned right-handed pitcher Joey Krehbiel to Triple-A Norfolk, recalling left-handed pitcher Nick Vespi to the major league roster in his place.
Mullins has been out since July 15 due to a right adductor groin strain. The center fielder previously spent time on the injured list with a right groin strain from May 30 to June 24.
Before he went down the most recent time, Mullins was batting .259 with nine home runs, 47 RBI, 14 stolen bases and an .801 OPS in 69 games. Mullins ranks fourth among Baltimore position players with a 2.3 WAR.
Mullins warmed up for his impending major league return during a recent four-game rehab assignment with Double-A Bowie.
The Orioles managed to go 15-9 during Mullins' latest injury list stint – the best record in the AL East over that span – but the team will surely welcome back its most experienced and accomplished bat.
Mullins was drafted by the Orioles in 2015, and he made his major league debut for the club in 2018. In 2021, Mullins made the All-Star Game, won a Silver Slugger and finished ninth in AL MVP voting.
Between the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Mullins missed just nine of Baltimore's 324 games.
The Orioles are set to open their three-game road series against the Seattle Mariners on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET.
Mullins is expected to start in center field for the first-place Orioles, who are looking to further bolster their 71-44 record.
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