Pressure, injuries, and an unbelievable comeback—but here’s why Cowser still stands out in the 2025 season.

When the Baltimore Orioles selected Colton Cowser with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, the organization made it clear that he wasn’t just another outfield prospect. Coming out of Sam Houston State, Cowser was regarded as one of the best pure hitters in his draft class. With a left-handed bat that combined patience, power, and adaptability, he was projected as a cornerstone piece for Baltimore’s rebuild.

Fast forward to the 2024 season, and Cowser validated those expectations in a big way. As a rookie, he played 153 games, belted 24 home runs, drove in 69 RBIs, and posted an OPS of .768. For a franchise looking to emerge from years of mediocrity, Cowser’s breakout wasn’t just refreshing—it was critical. Alongside fellow young stars Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, Cowser gave the Orioles both immediate production and long-term hope.

That’s why his thumb injury early in the 2025 season hit so hard. The Orioles had plans to contend, and Cowser was supposed to be central to their lineup. Instead, his injury forced Baltimore to improvise, reshuffle the roster, and wait anxiously for one of their most promising hitters to return.

This article takes a deep dive into Colton Cowser’s 2025 journey: the details of his thumb injury, the void it left in the Orioles’ roster, his much-anticipated return, the struggles and highlights since then, and what the future could hold for both him and Baltimore.

The Thumb Injury That Changed Everything

How It Happened

On March 31, 2025, in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Cowser was hustling hard to beat out a ground ball. Sliding headfirst into first base, his left thumb jammed awkwardly against the bag. The result was immediate discomfort—and soon after, devastating news: a fractured thumb.

While thumb injuries may sound less dramatic than torn ligaments or shoulder surgeries, for a baseball player, the thumb is everything. It affects grip strength, bat control, and even defensive throws. For a hitter like Cowser, whose swing relies heavily on quick wrists and hand stability, a thumb fracture was a nightmare scenario.

The Immediate Fallout

The Orioles wasted no time placing Cowser on the 10-day injured list (IL), but within days, the injury’s severity became clearer. By early April, he was transferred to the 60-day IL, effectively sidelining him for at least two months.

At the time of his injury, Cowser had played just four games in 2025. His early numbers were modest—2 hits in 16 at-bats, including 1 home run and 1 RBI—but the season was too young to measure. What mattered more was that Baltimore had just lost a left-handed power bat capable of anchoring their middle lineup.

The Psychological Blow

Baseball injuries aren’t just about physical absence; they also shift morale and strategy. Teammates often speak about the “energy” Cowser brings to the clubhouse. Losing him so early in the season meant more than losing production—it meant losing momentum at a time when the Orioles were trying to establish themselves as legitimate contenders in the AL East.

The Orioles Without Cowser: Filling the Void

Looking Back at His Rookie Season

To appreciate what the Orioles lost, it’s important to look back at Cowser’s rookie campaign in 2024. Not only did he hit 24 home runs, but he also showcased versatility as an outfielder, capable of playing both center and corner positions. His defensive instincts, combined with above-average arm strength, made him a two-way contributor.

In short: Colton Cowser wasn’t a player the Orioles could easily replace.

Patchwork Solutions

In Cowser’s absence, manager Brandon Hyde had to shuffle the outfield. Dylan Carlson saw increased playing time, and utility players like Jorge Mateo were asked to stretch beyond their usual roles. While serviceable, these stopgaps lacked Cowser’s combination of power and patience at the plate.

Cedric Mullins, a veteran cornerstone, also battled his own injuries, further straining Baltimore’s depth. Suddenly, a team that entered the season with optimism about its young core was scrambling to field a consistent lineup.

Offensive Consequences

Statistically, the Orioles’ offense sagged in April and May. Without Cowser’s left-handed bat, the lineup leaned heavily on right-handed hitters. Pitchers exploited this imbalance, and Baltimore often found itself unable to generate the same run production that characterized their 2024 breakout.

The numbers spoke volumes: fewer home runs, a drop in OPS, and reduced slugging percentage compared to the same stretch in 2024.

Rehab and the Road Back

The Rehab Assignment

By late May, reports emerged that Cowser was progressing well. He began a rehab assignment in the minors, splitting time between High-A Aberdeen and Triple-A Norfolk. Rehab assignments are crucial—not just for testing physical recovery but for rebuilding confidence at the plate.

Cowser showed flashes of his old self during these games, hitting for power and demonstrating patience in the batter’s box. Orioles fans eagerly awaited his return.

June Activation

On June 2, 2025, the Orioles officially activated Colton Cowser from the 60-day IL. It was a huge boost for a team that had struggled with injuries across the roster.

Cowser wasted no time making an impact—homering in his very first game back. For a moment, it felt like the old Colton Cowser had returned, ready to pick up where he left off.

The Struggles After the Return

The Numbers Tell the Story

Despite his triumphant return, Cowser’s overall 2025 numbers have been underwhelming compared to his rookie season. As of mid-September, he’s hitting around .199 with 15 home runs and an OPS of .654.

That represents a significant drop from his 2024 slash line of .242/.312/.456 (.768 OPS). Analysts point to several factors:

• Higher strikeout rate

• More groundballs, fewer line drives

• Difficulty adjusting timing after a two-month absence

• Lingering effects of the thumb injury impacting grip and bat speed

Secondary Setbacks

Compounding matters, Cowser also suffered a concussion later in the summer, forcing another IL stint. Two significant injuries in one season make it difficult for any player—especially a second-year hitter—to establish rhythm.

Expectations vs. Reality

Fans and analysts expected Cowser to build on his rookie season, possibly emerging as an All-Star candidate. Instead, his sophomore campaign has been defined by inconsistency. While he’s had bright moments—such as a three-run homer against the White Sox on September 16 that sealed a 4-1 win—those flashes have been balanced by prolonged slumps.

The Bright Spots: Why the Orioles Still Believe

Game-Changing Power

Even in a down year, Cowser has demonstrated his ability to change games with one swing. His power potential remains intact, and when he connects, the ball travels. The Orioles know that kind of bat is rare, especially from the left side.

Defensive Versatility

Cowser has also contributed defensively, playing all three outfield spots. This flexibility allows Baltimore to rotate players and manage matchups. While his offense has dipped, his glove has kept him valuable in the lineup.

Mental Resilience

Teammates and coaches have praised Cowser’s attitude throughout his struggles. Injuries can derail a young player’s confidence, but Cowser has maintained focus on long-term growth. That kind of mental toughness is exactly what the Orioles want in a foundational piece.

Impact on the Orioles in 2025

Short-Term Consequences

Without a fully productive Cowser, Baltimore’s offense hasn’t been as balanced as they hoped. His absence, combined with other injuries, contributed to stretches of inconsistency in run production.

The Orioles still boast a talented young core, but losing Cowser at full strength limited their ceiling. Instead of charging toward dominance, they’ve battled to maintain competitiveness in the tough AL East.

Long-Term Perspective

From a broader view, Cowser’s 2025 season may serve as a learning curve rather than a defining setback. Many great players experience sophomore slumps or injury-plagued years early in their careers. The key is how they respond.

The Orioles remain invested in Cowser as part of their long-term blueprint. With Henderson, Rutschman, and a pipeline of prospects, Baltimore envisions Cowser as an integral part of a championship-caliber roster.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Redemption

What Cowser Needs to Improve

• Health – Avoiding further injuries is priority number one. The thumb fracture and concussion disrupted his rhythm; a full offseason of uninterrupted training will be invaluable.

• Contact Rate – Reducing strikeouts and making more consistent contact will help raise his batting average and on-base percentage.

• Adjustments – Pitchers have found holes in his swing. Cowser must adapt, shortening his swing when needed and driving the ball to all fields.

Why Fans Shouldn’t Panic

History is filled with players who stumbled in Year 2 before breaking out later. Think of Mike Trout’s early struggles in 2011 or countless other stars who needed time to adjust. Cowser still has the tools—bat speed, plate discipline, power, and defensive ability—to be a star.

The Orioles’ Commitment

Baltimore’s decision to give Cowser regular playing time even during slumps shows their commitment. They’re not treating him as a replaceable part; they see him as a core piece of their future.

Conclusion: A Season of Adversity, a Career of Potential

Colton Cowser’s 2025 season will be remembered as a rollercoaster. From the devastating thumb injury to the grind of rehab, from the excitement of his return to the frustrations of inconsistency, it’s been anything but smooth.

Yet adversity often shapes great players. For Cowser, the lessons learned in 2025—about health, resilience, and adaptation—could serve as the foundation for an even brighter future.

For the Orioles, the message is clear: patience. Building a contender isn’t just about collecting talent; it’s about weathering setbacks and watching young stars grow through challenges.

As the 2025 season winds down, Colton Cowser may not be the superstar many envisioned in April. But his story is far from written. With a healthy offseason and renewed confidence, the Orioles’ young outfielder still has every chance to reclaim the trajectory that once made him one of baseball’s most exciting rising stars.

And if he does, 2025 will be remembered not as the season that broke him, but as the season that built him.