The Orioles must figure out how to make room on the roster for Gunnar Henderson, who is eligible to return from the injured list on Thursday. With a day off today, they have one more game to play without their All-Star shortstop.
“We’ve got one of the best players in the world coming back,” said first baseman Ryan O’Hearn. “So that’s a good thing.”
The downside? Someone has to go to make space.
The Orioles want to keep Jorge Mateo for his elite speed and defensive versatility. They plan for Ramón Urías to get regular starts at third base, and he continues to hit well, going 6-for-15 over his last four games. They also won’t be sending down Jackson Holliday, who recorded two hits and an RBI yesterday, as this is his opportunity to prove he’s as special as expected.
They’d also prefer not to option outfielder Heston Kjerstad, who needs consistent playing time to live up to his potential as a former second-overall draft pick. Though he struck out twice yesterday with runners on base, he delivered an RBI single in a key four-run eighth inning.
Meanwhile, they signed Ramón Laureano to a $4 million contract for his right-handed bat and defensive abilities, so one rough game on Monday won’t define his value.
Fortunately, the Orioles were handed an unexpected solution before Henderson’s return. Colton Cowser fractured his left thumb on Sunday while diving into first base at Rogers Centre, creating an open roster spot.
Dylan Carlson was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to take Cowser’s place, and the team could send him down when Henderson returns—if they decide they’re comfortable carrying seven infielders. Mateo and O’Hearn can provide outfield depth if needed.
Carlson, signed to a $975,000 deal, brings switch-hitting ability and defensive versatility in the outfield. While being frequently optioned isn’t ideal for a player, it’s a role he might have to accept. The Orioles have built their depth with moves like this rather than making splashy acquisitions, and if Carlson is sent down, he’ll likely be back again before long.
Losing Cowser is no small matter. The good news is that it happened early in the season, giving him time to make an impact later. However, his absence leaves a hole both in left field at Camden Yards and in the lineup, where he was a regular presence. He played 153 games last season with 561 plate appearances, making him a near-everyday player rather than a platoon option.
Henderson can take over as the leadoff hitter, a role he briefly held last season in Toronto against four right-handed starters. While he’s only missed six games, Cowser will be out for at least two months—his second freak injury in a short time.
His left hand was previously fractured when he was hit by a pitch in the Wild Card round last year. This time, he jammed his thumb into the bag while diving into first base, only to be called out, adding insult to injury.
The Orioles scored eight runs yesterday but had a long stretch without offense, failing to score between the second and seventh innings. They have a mix of power hitters and contact bats who can manufacture runs, and Cowser contributed to that dynamic. Now, those skills are sidelined.
Kjerstad didn’t want his opportunity to come at the expense of an injury, but with Cowser out, manager Brandon Hyde started him against Red Sox left-hander Sean Newcomb. He capitalized in the eighth inning, lining a 96.7 mph fastball from right-hander Justin Slaten into left field for an RBI single that extended the lead to 5-3.
“Tough assignment,” Hyde said. “Putting him in the middle of the order against a left-handed starter, something that hasn’t happened—especially not knowing how long their starter would go. He had three tough at-bats but stayed on the baseball in that last one.”
“Heston’s a good hitter,” Hyde continued. “He’s got tons of power, but he’s also a good overall hitter who can use the whole field. When he does that, good things happen.”
Getting Kjerstad more playing time and seeing him thrive would help soften the blow of losing Cowser, providing at least a small silver lining. The Orioles will take any positives they can get. But once again, 2025 is shaping up to be a season where their resilience will be tested just as much as their talent as they fight to stay competitive while waiting to regain full strength.