There is often cause for concern anytime a player’s performance leads to a demotion. But baseball is an extremely difficult sport, and it’s hardly uncommon for a player to return to the minors for further development. But if that player continues to struggle and drops another league? It’s fair to wonder if the guy will ever see the major leagues again.
Cedric Mullins recorded only six hits in 74 at bats to begin last season. He experienced modest success down the stretch in 2018, but appeared overmatched at the plate in every facet last spring. It was not a difficult choice for the Orioles to option him to Norfolk, but not unreasonable to think Mullins could straighten things out with the Tides.