[MLB] Keller's Season Lost to Severe Shoulder Strain; Valdez Healthy for Winter Ball

[Mickey the Mouth]

Photo: Andrew nyr via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0​

Mitch Keller's 2026 season ended with a Grade 3 teres major strain in his right shoulder, though he avoided surgery and is expected to resume throwing this month. The injury helps explain his career-worst 5.29 ERA and diminished velocity. Meanwhile, rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez has recovered from his hamstring injury and will play winter ball in the Dominican Republic after hitting 30 home runs across the majors and Triple-A in his debut season.

Source: MLB Trade Rumors - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.