In shocking news for Baltimore Orioles fans, outfielder Colton Cowser has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a fractured left thumb, with team manager Brandon Hyde announcing that he is expected to be sidelined for at least six to eight weeks. This injury occurred during a high-stakes moment in a recent game when Cowser suffered the fracture while sliding into first base on a close play.

Despite being a promising talent, Cowser’s start to the season has been less than stellar. He has stumbled out of the gate, achieving a dismal .125 batting average in just 18 plate appearances. Last year, Cowser was a standout player, finishing as the runner-up for the American League Rookie of the Year award, and his injury marks a significant setback for both him and the team.

Cowser has shown his potential with impressive spring training stats, boasting a batting line of .364/.462/.568, including two home runs and three doubles over 52 plate appearances. Last season, he recorded a solid performance overall with 24 home runs, solid defensive skills across all three outfield positions, and impactful contributions at the plate with a .242 average.

In light of Cowser's absence, fellow outfielder Dylan Carlson has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to take his spot. Carlson, who was signed by the Orioles during the offseason on a one-year, $975,000 deal, is also a former top prospect, having been selected No. 33 overall by the Cardinals in 2016. Although Carlson displayed glimpses of talent, notably a promising .266/.343/.437 line in 2021 with St. Louis, he has struggled since then, hitting just .225/.309/.341 in the subsequent three seasons.

This situation raises questions about the depth of the Orioles' outfield and how well they can manage the loss of a key player like Cowser. The team will need to strategize effectively to navigate through this challenging period. Keep an eye on Carlson's performance as he attempts to seize this opportunity to become a valuable contributor for Baltimore in Cowser's absence.

With Cowser's recovery ahead of him, fans will be eagerly watching his rehabilitation progress, hoping for a quick and effective return to action.