Colton Cowser Fractures Hand in Playoffs

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser suffered a fractured left hand during the Wild Card Series against the Kansas City Royals, specifically after being hit by a pitch while swinging in the fifth inning. His injury occurred in a critical moment with the bases loaded, but he was charged with a strikeout instead of a hit-by-pitch due to the swing. Cowser remained in the game until the seventh inning, when he was replaced by Heston Kjerstad, but his injury raises questions about his status moving forward. Despite the setback, Cowser's strong regular season performance—hitting .242 with 24 home runs—positions him as a contender for the AL Rookie of the Year. The Orioles' postseason elimination means Cowser has plenty of time to recover before spring training begins in February 2025. This marks another disappointing early postseason exit for the team, which has now been swept for the second consecutive year.