Orioles activate Cedric Mullins & Jordan Westburg on June 10 before facing the Tigers. Can their return spark a playoff push or lead to a trade deadline sale?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Baltimore Orioles made a resounding statement on Tuesday, activating two key pieces in outfielder Cedric Mullins and infielder Jordan Westburg from the injured list. The moves signal a clear intent to win now, but they also set the stage for some franchise-altering decisions as the team tries to claw its way out of the AL East basement, all while a crucial game against the league-leading Tigers unfolds at Camden Yards.
With Mullins back, the clock is ticking. If the O's can't climb back into contention, he could be the biggest name on the move before the July 31 deadline.
In a flurry of roster activity, the O's welcomed back two familiar faces. Jordan Westburg, sidelined with a left hamstring strain, returns to bolster the infield. More significantly, Cedric Mullins is back in center field after a right hamstring strain kept him out since May 30. His return is a massive boost, bringing his .232/.324/.448 slash line back to the top of the order. To make room, the Orioles made the tough calls to option outfielder Heston Kjerstad to Triple-A Norfolk and designate infielder Emmanuel Rivera for assignment, showing a clear preference for the current roster configuration.
While Heston Kjerstad heads back to Norfolk, top prospect Coby Mayo is staying with the big-league club. After getting his shot due to Ryan Mountcastle's injury, Mayo has clearly impressed the front office enough to stick around. This decision is a massive vote of confidence, suggesting the organization sees him as a key part of the immediate solution as they try to salvage their season. Keeping Mayo over a more seasoned option like Kjerstad indicates the O's are prioritizing his development and potential impact right now.
As the Orioles battle the 43-24 Detroit Tigers tonight, the stakes couldn't be higher. Baltimore entered the game with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games, a spark of life for a team sitting at 26-38 overall. In the middle innings, the O's are clinging to a 1-0 lead thanks to a solid start from Cade Povich, who has held the potent Tigers offense to just two hits so far. This game is a litmus test: a win against the best team in baseball could provide the momentum they desperately need.
Mullins's activation immediately kicked the rumor mill into high gear. While his return is a boon for the Orioles' immediate chances, it also starts the clock on his future in Baltimore. With his improved power and on-base skills this season, Mullins would be an extremely attractive asset for a contending team. Reports are already swirling that if the Orioles can't make a significant move up the standings before the July 31 trade deadline, the front office could look to cash in on their All-Star outfielder to acquire pieces for the future.
The Orioles are at a critical juncture. With key players returning and young talent getting a chance to shine, the team has a narrow window to prove their recent 7-3 stretch is the start of a real turnaround. The next few weeks will be telling, not just for the 2025 season, but for the future of core players like Cedric Mullins. Can they build on this momentum, or will the July 31 trade deadline mark the beginning of another rebuild?
