KANSAS CITY -- Rookie Cedric Mullins showed no signs of rust in his return to the lineup Friday night. In fact, the 23-year-old center fielder, who missed three games with a sore left hip, continues to be a beacon of hope in a season where the Orioles are scratching to find positives.
Mullins showcased his range in center field on several plays and hit his first career homer in the leadoff spot, scoring both of the Orioles' runs in the series-opening 9-2 loss to the Royals.
Baltimore, riding high off its first home series sweep (against Toronto) couldn't muster much of anything off Royals starter Brad Keller.