Cowser’s potential return timeline from a fractured left thumb has narrowed considerably from last month’s initial 6-8 week estimate. The 25-year-old outfielder is still several weeks away from starting a minor league rehab assignment, but it’s encouraging that he hasn’t suffered any setbacks during his rehabilitation process.

The team has not set a firm timeline yet for his return, but this is typically at least a month-long injury, depending on whether surgery is required. The Orioles recalled Dylan Carlson from Triple-A, and while Carlson had a strong spring, fantasy managers should hope this opens up a starting job for Heston Kjerstad. Kjerstad should be claimed off waivers on the off-chance that he gets regular starts now against right-handed pitching.

There’s no reason for fantasy managers to panic, but Cowser finishes Baltimore’s season-opening series hitting .125 (2-for-16) with one homer in three games. It’s not quite a buy-low opportunity or anything close to that yet, but we’re expecting the 25-year-old outfielder to turn things around shortly. He’s certainly set up for success as the Orioles’ primary table-setter atop a loaded lineup.

Cowser got on the board with his first home run of the season, taking Max Scherzer deep for a solo homer to lead off the game. It was his only hit of the game, but one he got all of as it came off the bat 110 mph. The 25-year-old slugger had a second batted ball of 100 mph in the eighth inning that was lined to the second baseman. Cowser has hit leadoff in all three contests so far, all against right-handed starters.