The Baltimore Orioles will be without one of their key players for at least the next few months, and manager Brandon Hyde did not downplay the significance of the loss.

In a heartbreaking turn of events for the O’s, outfielder Colton Cowser exited Sunday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays with a left thumb fracture.

The injury occurred as Cowser tried to leg out an infield single, sliding head-first into the bag. Hyde was blunt about the severity of the situation, telling reporters that Cowser will miss a minimum of six to eight weeks.

The 2023 AL Manager of the Year also emphasized how much the injury hurts the team.

Colton Cowser slides Iinto first base against the Toronto Blue Jays.

© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images “It’s a big loss. A guy that was second in [AL] Rookie of the Year [voting] last year,” Hyde said, referring to Cowser’s impressive 2024 campaign where he finished runner-up to Luis Gil of the New York Yankees.

In his candid remarks, Hyde also acknowledged that Cowser’s injury would not be the only setback the team faces this season.

“It’s not going to be the last injury we have… we’re going to have things pop up,” he said.” It’s why you create depth, and it gives other guys opportunities.”

One such player benefitting from this opportunity is outfielder Dylan Carlson, who was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk after the injury to Cowser. “It’s a blow.

Colton is a really good player,” Hyde reiterated. For the Orioles, the goal is to soften that blow as much as possible until Cowser returns.