The Baltimore Orioles have been dealing with several injuries at the start of spring training. With Opening Day just two weeks away, all eyes are on shortstop Gunnar Henderson and whether he will be ready for the start of the season.
Henderson has been dealing with a mild right intercostal strain. He is one of the Orioles’ best players and could be a contender for the American League MVP this season—if he stays healthy and avoids missing significant time. Baltimore hopes he will be ready for the season opener.
Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson Discusses Injury Recovery
MLB Network visited Orioles spring training to speak with players and manager Brandon Hyde. Henderson also spoke with the network about his injury, which has sidelined him for most of camp. He resumed baseball activities on Tuesday but is still limited to light drills.
Henderson provided an update, saying, “Progressing really well right now. Everything’s feeling good. I got to take some ground balls today, swung a little bit more. We’re making strides in the right direction.”
"We're making strides in the right direction."
Gunnar Henderson gives an injury update and talks about the @Orioles team chemistry.
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— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 12, 2025
Henderson has not yet resumed full batting practice. He knows he will need to get at-bats in the cage before Opening Day. The All-Star shortstop added, “At this point, it’s just gonna be getting the amount of at-bats I think I need to be ready. Like I said, I’m progressing pretty well, so I should be able to get that done.”
Henderson’s Timeline for Opening Day
The 23-year-old has two weeks to get ready for Opening Day, when the Orioles open the season on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays. Last season, Henderson played in 159 games for Baltimore, hitting .281 with 37 home runs, 92 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases while being caught stealing four times. His on-base percentage was .364.
If Henderson is not ready for Opening Day, the Orioles will have to decide whether to place him on the injured list. If he does miss time, top prospect Jackson Holliday would likely start at shortstop, with Ramón Urías playing second base until Henderson returns.
Baltimore will be hoping their star shortstop recovers quickly, as his presence will be crucial for their playoff aspirations in 2025. In the 159 games Henderson played for Baltimore last season, they boasted a formidable 89-70 record.