Adam Jones in center field for the Baltimore Orioles has been one of the steadiest sights in Major League Baseball for the last decade, but it looks like that era is now coming to a close.
The Orioles called up rookie outfielder Cedric Mullins for Friday’s game against the Boston Red Sox, slotting him in center and moving Jones to right. Mullins did say that Jones has been in “constant” contact with him about the transition, per Jon Meoli of the Baltimore Sun.
Cedric Mullins is batting ninth and playing CF. Adam Jones is in right. Mullins said Jones has been in constant contact about this transition, and his support means a lot. #Orioles pic.twitter.com/4mYMyzBwYr
— Jon Meoli (@JonMeoli) August 10, 2018
Orioles manager Buck Showalter indicated that the change would be permanent and credited the former All-Star Jones for buying into the plan.
Buck Showalter said he likes “the total package” with Cedric Mullins, and they plan to go forward with Mullins in CF and Jones in RF. Said Jones’ buy-in to all this is is key. #Orioles
— Jon Meoli (@JonMeoli) August 10, 2018
For his part, Jones had this to say on Twitter about the move:
End of an Era!!!! Embrace Change!!!!
— 10 (@SimplyAJ10) August 10, 2018
The 33-year-old Jones has made 1,563 of his 1,591 career starts in center field (with 15 coming at DH, 11 in left, and just two in right). He also won all four of his Gold Glove Awards in center.
The last time that Jones played in right field was for the Seattle Mariners back in 2007. Credit to him though for accepting the decision gracefully, especially in a summer where he has gone out of his way to show loyalty to Baltimore.
