Baltimore Orioles Injury Report: O'Neill's Setback, Cowser's Return Imminent

James

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Post on May 19, 2025

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Baltimore Orioles Injury Report: O'Neill's Setback, Cowser's Return Imminent

The Baltimore Orioles are navigating a familiar challenge: managing the injury bug. While the team continues its impressive 2023 season, the injury report offers a mixed bag of news, with a setback for Anthony Santander and the promising imminent return of Heston Kjerstad.

Anthony Santander's Hamstring Issue Throws a Wrench in the Works

The Orioles received disappointing news regarding outfielder Anthony Santander. After initially showing progress from a hamstring injury, Santander experienced a setback during a recent rehabilitation assignment. Manager Brandon Hyde expressed concern, stating that Santander's return date remains uncertain, leaving a significant hole in the lineup. The team is prioritizing a cautious approach to avoid further injury, emphasizing a full recovery over a rushed return. This prolonged absence puts extra pressure on the remaining outfielders to step up their performance. The severity of the setback remains unclear, but it’s a blow to a team battling for a playoff spot. The Orioles are evaluating his progress daily, and further updates are expected soon.

Heston Kjerstad's Return Looms Large

In contrast to the Santander news, there's positive news on the horizon. Top prospect Heston Kjerstad is nearing a return to the major league roster after recovering from an oblique injury. While no official date has been announced, sources suggest Kjerstad’s return is imminent. His presence will inject a much-needed offensive boost, particularly given Santander's injury. Kjerstad’s power hitting potential and strong defensive abilities could significantly impact the Orioles' playoff push. His minor league rehab assignments have shown encouraging signs, suggesting he's ready to make a substantial contribution to the team. Fans eagerly await his return to the lineup.

Impact on the Orioles' Playoff Hopes

The Orioles' injury situation adds another layer of complexity to their playoff race. While the team boasts a deep and talented roster, the absence of key players like Santander significantly impacts their offensive firepower. The potential return of Kjerstad provides some much-needed relief, but the team will need other players to step up and consistently deliver.

The Orioles' medical staff and coaching team are working tirelessly to ensure the players' health and successful rehabilitation. The team's depth will be tested in the coming weeks, and their ability to navigate this challenging period will be crucial to determining their success in the latter half of the season.

Looking Ahead:

The coming days will be crucial for the Orioles. Further updates on Santander’s condition are eagerly anticipated, while the team prepares for Kjerstad’s highly anticipated return. The Orioles' resilience and ability to adapt will be key factors in determining their postseason fate. The next few weeks will be critical in assessing the true impact of these injuries on the team's overall performance and playoff aspirations. Stay tuned for further updates as the season unfolds.

Keywords: Baltimore Orioles, Injury Report, Anthony Santander, Heston Kjerstad, MLB Injuries, Baseball Injuries, Orioles Injury News, Playoff Race, Hamstring Injury, Oblique Injury, MLB News, Baseball News.