Gunnar Henderson, the Baltimore Orioles’ All-Star shortstop, has been sidelined since February 27 due to a strained intercostal muscle. This injury raised concerns about his availability for Opening Day on March 27 against the Toronto Blue Jays. However, recent developments have been encouraging. Henderson has resumed limited baseball activities, including batting practice and fielding ground balls, and remains optimistic about his recovery. He stated that returning by Opening Day is a feasible target.
In the 2024 season, Henderson showcased his talent by hitting 37 home runs and recording 92 RBIs, earning him All-Star honors. Given his history with abdominal muscle strains, the Orioles are approaching his recovery with caution to ensure he is fully prepared for the upcoming season.
As the Orioles continue their spring training, they are hopeful that Henderson will be ready to contribute from the start of the season. Fans and the organization alike are keeping a close eye on his progress, anticipating his return to the lineup.
Henderson, who is recovering from a mild right intercostal strain, took a big step forward on Tuesday by resuming baseball activities. He began a hitting progression and participated in light drills, including fielding grounders—signs that encouraged manager Brandon Hyde.
On Wednesday, the All-Star shortstop backed up Hyde’s optimism with a positive update during an interview with MLB Network.
“Progressing really well right now. Everything’s feeling good,” Henderson said. “I got to take some ground balls today, swung a little bit more. We’re making strides in the right direction.”
Henderson hasn’t started swinging a bat just yet.
So far, his batting cage work has been limited to standing in the batter’s box during bullpen sessions, tracking pitches without taking swings. However, he hopes to start getting live reps soon to fine-tune his timing before the season begins.
“At this point, it’s just gonna be getting the amount of at-bats I think I need to be ready,” Henderson said. “Like I said, I’m progressing pretty well, so I should be able to get that done.”
With two weeks remaining before Opening Day, the 23-year-old slugger still has time to ramp up. The Orioles will begin their season on March 27 with a road matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Although Henderson’s Opening Day availability was initially uncertain, he now sounds confident he’ll be ready—barring any setbacks.
That’s a huge boost for Baltimore, which is relying on him to anchor both its lineup and middle infield. The 2023 AL Rookie of the Year was one of the league’s top performers last season, slashing .281/.364/.529 with 37 home runs, 92 RBIs, 21 steals, and a 9.1 WAR in just his second full year.
After leading the Orioles in several offensive categories, Henderson is once again expected to deliver MVP-caliber production and help Baltimore compete in a stacked AL East.
First, he just needs to get healthy.
