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Baltimore Orioles: Should there be concern over early injuries?

By Nate Wardle

Mar 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA;Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) looks on from the dugout during the first inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA;Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) looks on from the dugout during the first inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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J.J. Hardy, SS

Another player who is downplaying his injury, the scans on Orioles shortstop J.J Hardy‘s balky back all came back fine.

In 2014, when Hardy dealt with back spasms, he had a decent season for the Orioles, hitting .268 with nine home runs.

In 2015, when Hardy dealt with a torn labrum, he was ineffective for the Orioles, hitting .219.

In 2016, Hardy broke a bone in his foot and missed significant time.

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Hardy is now 34 years old and has started more than 100 games in 11 seasons in the major leagues. However, in 2015 he played 114 games, and in 2016 115 games. So, he has been bitten by the injury bug lately.

The other plus is that Hardy knows how to handle the back spasms, manage the pain and still get prepared for the season.

Also, the Orioles are largely more prepared for Hardy’s absence than ever before. Manny Machado can slide to SS, and Robert Andino, Chris Johnson, Ryan Flaherty and others can also fill in, either at SS or 3B.

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In fact, I believe that an injured Hardy is not as good a player as other options the Orioles have at this point, so the Orioles need only to play their veteran SS if he is healthy.

Worry level – 2/10

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