Baltimore Orioles All-Star Outfielder Nearing Return After Injury Scare
Who makes the Opening Day roster and what roles these players will have throughout the season continues to be a hot topic of conversation surrounding the Baltimore Orioles.
It's hard to predict what it might look like as of now.
The front office and coaching staff have said they're going to put the best team on the field, and there are plenty of established players and top prospects vying for a role with the club.
Some of the youngsters have been the best performers during the exhibition games in Spring Training, making the Orioles' decision even more difficult.
One player who definitely will be a starter in the outfield is Cedric Mullens.
The 29-year-old became a staple for them in 2021 when he earned his first All-Star selection and put together the best season of his career with a .291/.360/.518 slash line, 30 home runs, and 59 RBI.
Injuries plagued the veteran last year, limiting him to just 116 games.
Mullins talked about how he was excited to be healthy entering camp and was looking forward to a full season in 2024.
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned for the center fielder as he suffered a hamstring injury in early March.
The good news is that he's eyeing a return to game action this week, continuing his ramp up period before the start of the upcoming year.
"Progressions have been going really well. Been running with no problems. Just want to give it a couple of extra days to give the legs some endurance and get back at it," Mullins said according to Roch Kubatko of MASN.
Organizations always want their players to have faced as many live pitches as possible in a game setting to make sure they're ready for the beginning of the season.
For a veteran like Mullins, that isn't as necessary.
"I remember I had a spring training where I had 13 total at-bats going into the season and played pretty well. It's about the mental prep, as well. But the swing's feeling good. I've been taking some good at-bats," he said.
The most important thing is he's healthy and available.
Sure, there are talented prospects that Baltimore could call upon if Mullins misses time, but to be a championship contender like they plan on being this year, they need the former All-Star in their lineup and on the field.
Since becoming a full-time starter in 2021, he's posted a defensive WAR value of 2.4 and overall WAR of 12.5.
The Orioles will certainly need him.
