The Baltimore Orioles entered the 2025 season with high hopes, backed by a young roster full of promise. However, as the year unfolded, fans were left scratching their heads. Injuries, inconsistency, and tough competition derailed what many thought could be another step forward for the team. Among the stories that surfaced late in the season, one stood out: Colton Cowser had been battling a rib injury for much of the year.
This revelation, paired with the news that Dean Kremer could be shifted into a bullpen role, highlights the deeper issues Baltimore faced. It wasn’t just about talent—it was about health, depth, and timing.
The Revelation of Cowser’s Rib Injury
Throughout most of the season, Colton Cowser appeared in games, occasionally struggling at the plate, but few suspected he was dealing with something as serious as a rib problem. According to reports, Cowser admitted that while he felt capable of playing, the injury limited his ability to go through pre-game routines and prepare at the level he wanted.
| COLTON COWSER: “I could play and feel fine, but it stopped me from doing my pre-game work.” |
This small quote speaks volumes. Baseball is as much about preparation as it is about execution. If a player cannot stretch, swing, or practice comfortably before games, the impact on performance becomes inevitable.
Why This Matters for the Orioles
The Orioles’ 2025 campaign was marred by missed opportunities. When a player like Cowser, who represents the team’s future core, is silently battling injury, it raises questions:
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Should the team have rested him earlier?
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Was the risk of worsening the injury worth keeping him in the lineup?
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Did the lack of transparency affect how fans and coaches evaluated his year?
This is a common narrative in Major League Baseball: injuries often go unreported until after the season. But in this case, the admission came before the year ended, showing just how frustrating things had become in Baltimore.
Dean Kremer’s Role Shift
Alongside Cowser’s news, speculation grew about Dean Kremer possibly moving to the bullpen. For Orioles fans, this sparked mixed emotions. Kremer has been a steady rotation arm, but his inconsistencies—combined with the team’s struggles—made the bullpen experiment appealing.
| DEAN KREMER: “I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do.” |
This attitude reflects Kremer’s team-first mentality, but it also highlights the Orioles’ search for answers. When starting pitchers are shuffled to relief roles at the end of a disappointing season, it often signals larger systemic issues: injuries, workload concerns, and questions about depth.
The Psychological Toll of Injuries
One overlooked aspect of Colton Cowser’s rib injury is the mental weight. Playing through pain not only slows performance but also impacts confidence. For a young hitter trying to cement his role in the majors, that mental burden can be heavier than the physical discomfort.
Fans often underestimate how much even minor rib injuries affect hitters. Every swing, every throw, every dive into the outfield wall puts strain on the ribs. Playing under those conditions means Cowser was rarely at full strength, which likely explains stretches of inconsistency.
Comparing Cowser’s Case to MLB Norms
Baseball history is full of players who quietly battled injuries only to see their numbers plummet. In many cases, their reputations took hits before the truth came out. For example, players who suffered wrist or rib issues often saw their power vanish.
Cowser’s 2025 numbers, when placed in that context, deserve a second look. Instead of labeling it a disappointing year, fans and analysts may need to consider it a “survival season.”
Orioles’ Season in Perspective
The revelation of Cowser’s injury fit neatly into the overall Orioles narrative of 2025: a season full of setbacks. Once again, fans saw flashes of potential but were left frustrated by the inability to sustain momentum. Injuries, like Cowser’s ribs, became symbolic of a year that just never clicked.
| ORIOLES FAN ON SOCIAL MEDIA: “It feels like every time we get close to competing, something like this happens.” |
The sense of déjà vu is real for Baltimore. Each time progress seems within reach, health concerns and roster holes push the team back.
The Bigger Picture: Player Development and Risk
The Orioles are not just playing for today—they’re building for tomorrow. That’s why Cowser’s health matters beyond the 2025 season. If managed properly, he could bounce back stronger in 2026, ready to anchor the lineup. But if ignored, lingering rib issues could stunt his growth.
Similarly, how they use Dean Kremer will reveal the team’s philosophy. Is he a long-term starter, or is he transitioning into a versatile arm out of necessity?
Lessons from 2025 for the Orioles
This season offers several takeaways:
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Transparency matters – Fans and analysts evaluate players based on available information. If injuries remain hidden, judgments become unfair.
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Depth is critical – Baltimore must strengthen its roster to avoid overusing injured players.
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Flexibility with pitchers – Moving Kremer to the bullpen might be temporary, but it shows the need for adaptable roles.
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Protecting young talent – Players like Cowser should not be pushed through injuries at the expense of long-term development.
What Fans Should Expect Moving Forward
Looking ahead, Orioles fans will want updates on Cowser’s recovery. If he enters 2026 fully healthy, expectations will reset. The team cannot afford another “lost season” for one of its key young hitters.
For Kremer, his offseason preparation will be crucial. Whether he remains in the bullpen or shifts back into the rotation, his role will help define Baltimore’s pitching depth chart.
Final Thoughts
The story of Colton Cowser’s rib injury is about more than one player—it symbolizes the frustrations of the 2025 Orioles. Hidden injuries, shifting roles, and unmet expectations defined the year. Yet, there’s hope. A healthy Cowser and a versatile Kremer could play key roles in Baltimore’s resurgence if managed wisely.
In the end, this season was a reminder: success in baseball isn’t just about talent. It’s about timing, health, and making the right decisions when setbacks strike.
The Orioles’ 2025 season may be remembered as one of disappointment, but if lessons are learned, it could also serve as the foundation for a brighter future.
