AL East Injury Notes: Rodon, Henderson, Kjerstad
The AL East division is abuzz with injury updates, focusing on three key players: Carlos Rodon, Gunnar Henderson, and Heston Kjerstad. Let's dive into their recovery progress and future prospects.
Carlos Rodon's Recovery Progress:
Rodon, a star pitcher for the New York Yankees, is making a strong comeback after elbow surgery in October. He's already back to throwing eight weeks post-surgery, showcasing his dedication to rehabilitation. Rodon's improved mobility post-surgery is a positive sign, as he couldn't bend his elbow before the operation. He's on track to return to the mound in late April or early May, slightly ahead of Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt, both recovering from Tommy John surgery. Rodon's 2025 season was impressive, setting career highs in starts and innings, and finishing in the top 10 in strikeouts. However, his postseason performance was underwhelming, with nine earned runs in 8 1/3 innings, a stark contrast to his strong regular-season performance.
Gunnar Henderson's Shoulder Recovery:
The Orioles received positive news about Henderson, a young left-handed batter. He's fully recovered from a shoulder impingement that plagued him throughout the 2025 season. Henderson's power numbers took a hit, with 17 home runs compared to 37 in 2024. His slugging percentage dropped from .529 to .438, and his ISO decreased. Despite this, he still delivered a solid season with a 120 wRC+ and a career-best 30 steals. With the shoulder issue behind him, Henderson is poised to regain his power threat status and potentially hit 35+ home runs again.
Heston Kjerstad's Return:
Kjerstad, an outfielder, is set to participate fully in Spring Training 2026 after a challenging end to the 2025 season. He was shut down in late July due to fatigue and later saw doctors for an unspecified medical condition. Manager Craig Albernaz assured fans that Kjerstad is eager to return to full health. Despite struggling in the majors with a .218/.284/.365 slash line, Kjerstad's potential remains. The Orioles' recent acquisitions, including Taylor Ward and Pete Alonso, might make it challenging for him to crack the opening-day roster, but his recovery is a positive step forward.
The AL East division is witnessing a mix of recoveries and potential breakthroughs as these players work towards a healthy and productive 2026 season.
