Colton Cowser DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (thumb) is likely to return from the 60-day injured list during their upcoming road trip to Seattle and Sacramento that begins on June 3, according to interim manager Tony Mansolino. In four minor-league games with High-A Aberdeen and Triple-A Norfolk, Cowser has gone 5-for-13 with a homer, three doubles, two RBI and four runs scored. The 25-year-old left-handed hitter played in only four games for the O's this year before fracturing his thumb, but he's expected to return to the big leagues next week. Baltimore could ease him back into the lineup, but eventually, Cowser should play regularly in the outfielder, at least against right-handed pitchers. It's good news for a struggling Orioles team that also has Cedric Mullins (hamstring), Tyler O'Neill (shoulder) and Ramon Laureano (ankle) on the IL. Cowser hit 24 homers and drove in 69 in his first full season in 2024.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (thumb) is doing pre-game work with High-A Aberdeen on Tuesday and will begin his minor-league rehab assignment with them on Wednesday, the team announced. Cowser is ready to play in rehab games after fracturing his left thumb in late March at the very start of the 2025 regular season, but because he's on the 60-day injured list, he won't be eligible to return to the big-league roster until May 30. The 25-year-old outfielder had gone just 2-for-16 with a homer and an RBI in four games before getting injured, but he should be an everyday player for Baltimore when he returns, and fantasy managers should scoop him up now if he's available on your league's waiver wire. Cowser hit .242/.321/.447 with a .768 OPS, 24 homers, 69 RBI, 77 runs scored and nine steals in 153 games in his first full season in the majors in 2024.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (thumb) was able to take live batting practice on Saturday. Cowser has been sidelined since late March due to a fractured left thumb. However, seeing him increase his baseball activities is a positive sign. If Cowser continues to progress well, he could be cleared to embark on a rehab assignment in the coming weeks. Last summer, the 25-year-old appeared in a career-high 135 games with the Orioles. Across this stint, he held a .242/.321/.447 slash line with 24 doubles, 24 home runs, and nine stolen bases. When Cowser returns to action, he should have an everyday role in left field. While he remains out, fantasy managers should expect Ramon Laureano, Heston Kjerstad, and Tyler O'Neill to see most of the opportunities in left field.