Orioles’ Hyde gives slumping Mullins another chance

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida—Cedric Mullins is back in the Orioles lineup, batting ninth. He’s 0-for-21, and since May 1^st, he’s hitting .117. Overall, he’s hitting .173

Manager Brandon Hyde is trying everything he can to get the 29-year-old centerfielder out of his horrendous slump.

“He’s working so hard,” Hyde said. “He’s hitting early every day. He’s putting everything into it, and he’s trying to find it. I thought he took good at-bats in Toronto. He lined out to center field twice. I know it’s frustrating.

“He held in his frustration better last night. He’s not getting the results he wants to. He’s not getting the at-bats he wanted to. I’m throwing him back out there to show him some confidence and trying to get him going.

“I’ve done a little bit of both where I’ve sat him for a couple of days and let him clear his head for a few days and then get back in there. I’m just trying to help him. We’re all pulling for him. If he can get going offensively for us, it totally changes things. I’m hoping he has a good game today.”