Fantasy players that own Orioles star Cedric Mullins should prepare to find a temporary replacement for a bit, after the 2021 All-Star went down to a groin strain on Memorial Day. If you fall into that category, let’s take a look at what options you should take a look at in order to fill Mullins’ place.
Related: 2023 MLB Fantasy: What to Make of Twins Infielder Royce Lewis’ Return
A Look at Mullins
The 2023 season has been quite the strong one for Orioles OF Cedric Mullins. The 28-year-old entered play on May 29 as the one of the most productive outfielders in fantasy this season. Mullins’ 39 RBI was good for a tie for third alongside Randy Arozarena among outfielders, with only Adolis Garcia and Yordan Alvarez being the only two with more runs batted in. Additionally, Mullins swiped 13 bases over his first 52 games of the season, good for seventh among outfielders and 12th in the league overall.
Unfortunately for Mullins and the O’s, the 28-year-old sensation may be headed to the IL. Mullins suffered a right adductor groin strain in the eighth inning in the Orioles’ 5-0 loss to the Guardians. Per manager Brandon Hyde, Mullins will undergo further tests.
Should Mullins be placed on the injured list, don’t expect highly-touted outfield prospect Colton Cowser or Kyle Stowers to come up from Norfolk (AAA) to be options. Both Cowser and Stowers are on the IL, which means that an outfielder on the roster like Ryan McKenna and Terrin Vavra are likely options to fill in for Mullins. OF Daz Cameron, who’s hit seven home runs and owns an OPS of .839 through 38 games, could be a potential callup option.
Potential Replacement Options
Cowser would be a tempting stash option if he were healthy and ready to be called up. The 23-year-old possesses very good power and his ability to get on-base does make him a top of the lineup candidate in the near future. That, however, will have to wait.
In our top waiver wire targets for Week 9, a couple of eligible outfielders in Zach McKinstry and Marcell Ozuna both made the cut. While neither will fill the power/speed profile that Mullins has, McKinstry does have a fair amount of stolen base and runs scored potential in fantasy. And as for Ozuna, the veteran slugger’s been in his best form over the past few weeks since his torrid 2020 campaign.
Aside from those two, here’s a look at some interesting options that should be available in many leagues:
Fraley’s bat has cooled in recent weeks. Mitch Haniger, however, has been scorching at the plate in recent weeks. The 32-year-old, who belted 39 home runs just two seasons ago, is 10-18 (.556) with two home runs and eight RBI over his last four games.
Fellow O’s outfielder Austin Hays is a hit machine who entered play on 5/29 with 56 hits, 12th among outfielders. And then there’s D-Backs outfielder Jake McCarthy, who’s back from AAA and recorded two hits and two RBI on May 29 against the Rockies. McCarthy is a speed machine and can rack up stolen bases — if he can get on base in the first place. The 25-year-old owns just a .162 batting average and .253 OBP in 2023, but he did hit well in his reprieve down in the Minors.
Look, it’s next to near impossible to find someone who can place the stolen bases and hits that Mullins can rack up. But, there are players that can provide value in a pinch. Also, don’t even think about cutting Mullins.
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