Colton Cowser DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.

The Baltimore Orioles have placed outfielder Colton Cowser (thumb) on the 10-day injured list due to a fracture in his left thumb. In a corresponding move, the Orioles promoted outfielder Dylan Carlson to the MLB roster. Cowser sustained this injury during their contest against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Cowser apparently injured his thumb when sliding for a base. He was replaced by a pinch hitter in the ninth inning of that game. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status but expect him to remain sidelined for the foreseeable future. While Cowser remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Ramon Laureano and Heston Kjerstad to see an increase in opportunities in the corner outfield spots. Kjerstad got the starting nod on March 29, suggesting he may be slightly higher than Laureano on the depth chart. Carlson will likely only have a depth role in the outfield.