Kjerstad still hasn't reported to alternate site [UPDATE: He's reported]

[Ruzious]

Notice he hasn't said a word about his health on his Twitter account - and that's probably smart.  You can see there he was clearly so excited to be drafted by the O's, and now he's got to deal with this illness.  I can't imagine the dramatic change in perspective he and his family have had to adjust to.      

[cboemmeljr]

Since my day job involves laboratory work and testing for Covid and knowing what I do know about it, I have to wonder if he didn't have an early case of Covid.  There have been instances where the Covid illness has led to heart inflamation, which is what myocarditis is.

I think he developed the issue before the vaccine came out so he shouldn't be in the group of young males who have developed myocarditis after receiving the vaccine.

There has been discussion that Covid was around in late 2019 as the flu season seemed really bad back then and there have been anecdotal stories of people being really sick back then from what was thought to be the flu.

Regardless, at this point all we can hope for is a normal life for Heston.  As it has been already said, baseball is secondary at this point.

[Mooreisbetter27]

Elias just said that Heston is working out again and is nearing baseball activities.  

[Frobby]

4 minutes ago, Mooreisbetter27 said:

Elias just said that Heston is working out again and is nearing baseball activities.  

Where did he say this?

[Mooreisbetter27]

Just now, Frobby said:

Where did he say this?

Said it to reporters.  Sorry, I'm at work and not as savvy at embedding things.

But Roch and Trezza both mentioned it.  I saw it in my team stream on my phone.

[Sports Guy]

 

[Frobby]

I’m pleased to hear this and hope the young man has no further setbacks.  It would be nice to go into the offseason expecting him to be healthy and in shape when spring training begins next year.   And of course, regardless of baseball it’s just good news that he’s feeling better.   

[survivedc]

I am guessing live games is pretty unlikely and baseball activities will just be drills? Would be great for him, mentally if nothing else, to be out there in a few games towards the end.

[RZNJ]

Don't want to jump ahead too much but I have to think the Arizona Fall League is possible (although not sure what rules apply if he's never played a professional game).   That might be pushing things and not that big a deal.   If this kid is 100% ready to go next Spring Training, I'd be pretty happy.   This is definitely good news.   Let's hope there are no more setbacks.   Would love to see him do really well, both for the Orioles sake, and just to shut some other people up (of course that will never happen).

[Can_of_corn]

2 minutes ago, RZNJ said:

Don't want to jump ahead too much but I have to think the Arizona Fall League is possible (although not sure what rules apply if he's never played a professional game).   That might be pushing things and not that big a deal.   If this kid is 100% ready to go next Spring Training, I'd be pretty happy.   This is definitely good news.   Let's hope there are no more setbacks.   Would love to see him do really well, both for the Orioles sake, and just to shut some other people up (of course that will never happen).

I think the Australian Baseball League will be a better fit...if they are having one.

I think the AFL would be pretty advanced for someone that hasn't played a game in well over a year.

[RZNJ]

Just now, Can_of_corn said:

I think the Australian Baseball League will be a better fit...if they are having one.

I think the AFL would be pretty advanced for someone that hasn't played a game in well over a year.

From a competitive level, your are correct.   A little easier to coach and keep an eye on him in the AFL though.   Agreed though, it's a bit of a stretch to expect them to throw him in against AA type competition this fast after such a long layoff.   I'd be surprised to see him go to Australia.  My best guess is that he goes to whatever type of instructional league the O's run this fall, assuming there is one.

[Ohfan67]

8 minutes ago, Can_of_corn said:

I think the Australian Baseball League will be a better fit...if they are having one.

I think the AFL would be pretty advanced for someone that hasn't played a game in well over a year.

Australia is in various stages of lockdown and are only allowing citizens, permanent residents, and family of citizens and residents to enter the country. Low probability that there is Australian baseball this "winter" and I think there's a zero chance that Kjerstad would travel so far from his doctors, Orioles training staff, etc., even if Australia were to open their borders and have baseball. 

[Can_of_corn]

20 minutes ago, RZNJ said:

From a competitive level, your are correct.   A little easier to coach and keep an eye on him in the AFL though.   Agreed though, it's a bit of a stretch to expect them to throw him in against AA type competition this fast after such a long layoff.   I'd be surprised to see him go to Australia.  My best guess is that he goes to whatever type of instructional league the O's run this fall, assuming there is one.

 

9 minutes ago, Ohfan67 said:

Australia is in various stages of lockdown and are only allowing citizens, permanent residents, and family of citizens and residents to enter the country. Low probability that there is Australian baseball this "winter" and I think there's a zero chance that Kjerstad would travel so far from his doctors, Orioles training staff, etc., even if Australia were to open their borders and have baseball. 

Yep, I agree with both of you and don't think any sort of a winter league is likely.

 

[Frobby]

32 minutes ago, Can_of_corn said:

 

Yep, I agree with both of you and don't think any sort of a winter league is likely.

 

I’d think the goal would be for him to participate in Fall Instructs.   

[sportsfan8703]

Great news. No reason to rush. Keep him close and at the O’s facilities near doctors for the fall.