Colton Cowser DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (thumb), who was moved to the 60-day injured list on Monday, has not been cleared for baseball activities but is doing better as he recovers from a fractured left thumb, according to MASN's Roch Kubatko. Cowser isn't expected to return from the IL until late May or early June, barring a setback once he resumes baseball activities. The 25-year-old former fifth overall pick in 2021 out of Sam Houston State had just two hits (one homer) in his first 16 at-bats with an RBI before fracturing his thumb early this season, but he should be a lineup regular with breakout potential when he returns, so fantasy managers may want to consider picking him up off the waiver wire if he's available and you have the room. With both Cowser and Tyler O'Neill (neck) both currently on the shelf, Heston Kjerstad is seeing regular playing time in the outfield in Baltimore.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (thumb) continues to improve from a fractured left thumb and is targeting a late-May, early-June return, according to general manager Mike Elias. Cowser initially suffered his broken thumb at the end of March and was given a six- to eight-week timetable. He went 2-for-16 with a home run and an RBI in his first four games this year before getting injured, but Cowser deserves to be held in most fantasy formats due to his potential for a breakout when healthy. The 25-year-old slashed .242/.321/.447 with 24 home runs, 69 RBI, nine stolen bases and 77 runs scored in 153 games in 2024 in his first full season in the majors. Until Cowser is able to return, Heston Kjerstad should continue to see regular at-bats as the team's primary left fielder. Kjerstad has so far been cold, batting .222 (8-for-36) with a homer, two doubles and six RBI in 13 games played.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (thumb) is expected to miss at least 6-to-8 weeks. Cowser suffered a fractured thumb during Sunday's contest against the Blue Jays. He sustained this injury while attempting to slide for first base. The Orioles placed Cowser on the 10-day injured list earlier on Monday and recalled Dylan Carlson from Triple-A in a corresponding move. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Cowser to miss a significant portion of the first half of the campaign. Last season, the 26-year-old had an everyday role in the starting nine and posted a .242/.321/.447 slash line 24 long balls and nine home runs. While Cowser remains out, fantasy managers should expect Heston Kjerstad and Ramon Laureano to have an uptick in playing time.