Spring Training Brings Early Injury Reports
As the Baltimore Orioles kicked off their spring training workouts, they unfortunately had to deliver some disappointing news. Pitcher Kyle Bradish will begin the season on the injured list due to a sprained ulnar collateral ligament. This setback adds an obstacle to the Orioles' quest to repeat their AL East title.
General manager Mike Elias provided some optimism by stating that Bradish's recent platelet-rich plasma injection has shown promising early results. However, Elias refrained from setting a timeline for the pitcher's return to major league action. Bradish had an impressive breakout season last year, posting a 2.83 ERA in 30 starts and going 12-7.
In another injury update, Houston Astros star Justin Verlander revealed that he is a couple of weeks behind schedule due to offseason shoulder inflammation. The veteran pitcher, who turns 41 soon, described the injury as a 'little hiccup' and pledged to be cautious in his recovery process. Verlander threw 20 pitches off a mound during Thursday's session.
The uncertainty surrounding Bradish's availability adds to the Orioles' concerns regarding left-hander John Means. Means is currently recovering from an elbow injury that prevented him from participating in last year's postseason. In light of these developments, the Orioles recently bolstered their rotation by acquiring 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner and three-time All-Star Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers.
While the Orioles deal with these injury setbacks, their third baseman, Gunnar Henderson, is also nursing a mild oblique aggravation. Elias characterized it as a 'really typical' early spring injury and expressed optimism that Henderson's opening day status is not in danger.
In other baseball news, former Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel made his first visit to the ballpark since suffering a stroke in September. Manuel, who managed the Phillies from 2005 to 2013, led the team to a World Series championship in 2008. He also spent three years as the manager in Cleveland. Manuel's return to the Phillies' complex in Clearwater, Florida was captured in a photo posted on his social media account, with the caption quoting, 'The game begins in the spring when everything else begins again.' Under Manuel's leadership, the Phillies won five consecutive NL East titles and secured another NL pennant in 2009.
As the New York Mets gear up for the upcoming season, shortstop Francisco Lindor remains confident despite the team's disappointing performance last year. The Mets made significant offseason moves but ended with a 75-87 record. However, Lindor draws inspiration from the unexpected success of teams like the 2023 NL champions, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Texas Rangers. He emphasizes that what truly matters is the belief and expectations within the team, rather than external opinions.
With spring training well underway, teams are starting to face the inevitable challenges of injuries and setbacks. As players work towards recovery and teams adjust their strategies, the true test of determination and resilience lies ahead. Only time will tell how these early obstacles will shape the upcoming MLB season.
AP Sports Writer Dan Gelston and AP freelance writers Marc Berman and Chris Nelsen contributed to this report.
