Cedric Mullins tells “MLB O.G.” Mark Gray how his groin injury is progressing prior to his Baltimore Orioles taking another series from the New York Yankees on Sunday, to remain in first place in the American League East Division.
Just when it looked as though the Baltimore Orioles were about to find another gear on Memorial Day to perhaps make a move on first place in the American League east, they were dealt what could be a debilitating blow to their postseason chances.
All Star and Team USA outfielder Cedric Mullins was injured running out what could’ve been an infield single in the bottom of the eighth inning during a 5-0 loss to the Cleveland Guardians Monday. Mullins was immediately removed from the game and underwent tests for the severity of the injury. However, the prognosis doesn’t appear promising.
The preliminary diagnosis following Monday’s game was that Mullins suffered a right adductor/groin strain. Normally this is a three-week injury requiring intense ice therapy and rest.
The Orioles officially placed their veteran franchise player on the 10-day injured list and replaced him with former New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks who was activated for Tuesday’s second game versus the Cleveland Guardians. The 33-year-old Hicks, another MLBbro outfielder, was designated for assignment by the Yankees last Friday amid the fifth season of a seven-year, $70 million contract.
New York is responsible for the remainder of that agreement; Baltimore will pay Hicks only a prorated portion of the major league minimum. He fills an opening on their 40-man roster, which is now full. Hicks also has a chance to revive his career while Mullins nurses his body, which is a win-win for everybody. Hicks also will get an opportunity to stick it to his former team as both squads battle it out in the tough AL East division.
Mullins was examined early Tuesday before Orioles Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias made the announcement he was being officially placed on the injured list.
“We’re going to try to get him healthy as soon as possible, and hopefully, it’s not that long,” Elias said per MLB.com.
Following a stint in the minors where he gave up on switch hitting, Mullins has been an Orioles stalwart in center field which solidified their defense while he has blossomed into one of baseball’s top all-around players.
“He’s a huge part of our team, and if we’re going to miss him for a little while — we’ll see, but if we have to, then other guys step up,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “This is part of the game. We’ve been pretty fortunate so far this year, and these things happen.”
Mullins has been used throughout the Orioles lineup and is one of the rare five tool players who can affect their offense from any spot in the order.
At the time of this injury Mullins was having an all-star season statistically. His offensive statline was 263/.356/.479. Mullins already has 12 doubles, three triples, eight homers, 39 RBI and scored 26 runs in 53 games. Mullins also became the seventh player in team history – since the franchise moved from St. Louis in 1954 – to hit for the cycle May 12. Of course, he’s among the league leaders in steals as well.
Mullins also became the seventh player in team history – since the franchise moved from St. Louis in 1954 – to hit for the cycle May 12.
CEDRIC MULLINS HITS A DINGER FOR THE CYCLE 🤩
(via @Orioles) pic.twitter.com/ovBC4TPwp0
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 13, 2023
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