Carlson was brought in this offseason to provide depth in the outfield. Has his role evolved into something bigger?

The Baltimore Orioles are no stranger to the injury bug, but it’s hitting the outfield particularly hard. As recently as one week ago, Baltimore was without their four top outfielders: Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, Tyler O’Neill, and Ramon Laureano. That left Heston Kjerstad, Jorge Mateo, Jordyn Adams, and Dylan Carlson to fill the void.

Carlson made the most of his opportunity, one that most didn’t anticipate.

The outfielder wasn’t brought to Baltimore for a major role this season. With plenty of minor league options remaining, Carlson figured to be spending most of his time down in Triple-A Norfolk, only venturing further up the coast if injuries dictated. It’s easy to see why he made sense.

The former first-round pick can play all three positions in the outfield, and his career batting average of over .280 against left-handed pitching figured to be a big help for an outfield highlighted by lefties. His versatility as a switch-hitter didn’t hurt, either.

He was tasked with being ready at a moment’s notice, and has delivered as of late.

In his last dozen games before Saturday, Carlson hit over .300 with an .863 on-base plus slugging percentage. His 12 hits in that span include three doubles and two home runs, including one in front of his hometown supporters in West Sacramento Friday night. He’s provided solid defense in the outfield, too, with 16 games in left field, six in right, and four in center. That kind of flexibility is incredibly valuable for interim manager Tony Mansolino.

What is Dylan Carlson’s future once some injured Orioles return?

Carlson would, presumably, remain on the roster when Jordan Westburg returns. But what about O’Neill and Mullins? With Cowser and Laureano already back, that question becomes harder to answer.

There would be no easy solution, but it’s hard to imagine the O’s keeping seven or eight options in the outfield. Carlson and Kjerstad both have minor league options remaining, but Mateo does not. That’s a big factor in decision making.

Heading into the season, Carlson’s presumed role may not have been that of an important big league contributor. But the outfielder has played his way into the fold and could be in the majors for the long haul.