The Orioles’ first lineup of spring training nearly six months ago brought with it the news that Cedric Mullins had abandoned switch-hitting and thus assumptions that he and Austin Hays would form a left-right platoon to patrol center field for Baltimore.
In actuality, that never materialized; Hays was hurt in the Orioles’ season-opening series, and despite having not faced left-handed pitching as a left-handed hitter since high school, Mullins thrived in those situations and most others, leading to a breakout season and All-Star selection.
Hays, formerly Baltimore’s top prospect, now seemingly finds himself in another platoon, this time in left field with DJ Stewart, a former first-round draft pick.