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One plus one doesn't always equal two in the world of sports, but it just may this time.

1) The Baltimore Orioles got a worrisome update on star outfielder Cedric Mullins on Monday. He left Monday's game with a right groin abductor strain. A trip to the injured list is certainly a possibility.

2) The Orioles are reportedly expressing 'serious' interest in free agent outfielder Aaron Hicks, who was recently designated for assignment and released by the Yankees.

The news came out on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon from Jon Heyman, via Robert Murray of Fansided:

"Orioles are expressing serious interest in Aaron Hicks."

It's not known if the two stories are related, but if Mullins is preparing to miss time, Hicks seems like a logical option to fill-in given his age and experience level.

Hicks was let go by the Yankees after a string of disappointing years.

The team signed him to a seven-year, $70 million contract before the 2020 season and will have to eat significant money as a result of the designation. If the Orioles sign him, they are only on the hook for the major league minimum.

Hicks was out to a terrible start at the plate this year, continuing a series of subpar runs for the Yankees. He's hitting just .188 this year with one home run. He hit just .216 a season ago.

He's also dealt with injury issues as well since getting to New York. He played just 59 games in 2019 and 32 in 2021, further adding to Yankees fans frustrations.

As for Mullins, if he is to miss time, that's a big loss for the Orioles.

Hitting at the top of the order, Mullins is hitting .263 this season with eight home runs and 39 RBI. He's also stolen 13 bases.

For his career, he's also a .263 hitter. He hit a career-high 30 home runs in 2021 for Baltimore. He made the All-Star team in 2021 and has won a Silver Slugger.

The Orioles and Guardians will play again on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. ET.

Kyle Gibson will get the ball for Baltimore.

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