The AL East division is abuzz with injury updates, particularly concerning three key players: Carlos Rodón, Gunnar Henderson, and Heston Kjerstad. Let's dive into the details and explore the potential implications for the upcoming season.
Rodón's Recovery: A Smooth Progress
Carlos Rodón, who underwent surgery in October to remove loose bodies from his elbow, is making impressive strides in his recovery. During a livestream appearance, Rodón revealed that he's back to throwing, eight weeks post-surgery. This development is particularly noteworthy as it places him ahead of Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt, both of whom are returning from Tommy John surgery. Rodón's improved mobility post-surgery is a positive sign, and his career highs in starts and innings last season further emphasize his potential impact this year.
Henderson's Shoulder Concerns: A Positive Turnaround
Gunnar Henderson, a young left-handed bat, is set to return to full health after dealing with a shoulder impingement for much of the 2025 season. Henderson's revelation at the fanfest event that the injury is behind him is a significant boost for the Orioles. Despite a dip in power numbers, Henderson's overall performance in 2025 was solid, and he should be a threat for 35+ homers once again. This turnaround is a welcome development for the team, especially after his impressive showing in the previous year.
Kjerstad's Absence: A Mystery Unveiled
Heston Kjerstad, the second overall pick in 2020, is expected to be ready for the 2026 season after a mysterious absence late in the 2025 campaign. Manager Craig Albernaz confirmed that Kjerstad will be a full participant in Spring Training. The outfielder's absence was due to fatigue and an unspecified medical condition, but it appears to be a thing of the past. Kjerstad's struggle to gain a foothold in the majors is a concern, and his future on the roster remains uncertain with the team's recent signings and trades.
