Baltimore Orioles Star Gunnar Henderson Gets Positive Injury News After Scare

Henderson left Thursday's spring training game with "right side discomfort" but he appears to be OK, according to manager Brandon Hyde.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) makes an errant throw to first base during the seventh inning on a ball hit by New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres (not pictured) at Yankee Stadium in 2024. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

UPDATE, Friday AM: Henderson's removal was precautionary and he will not get an MRI, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN.

Hyde said Henderson came out as precaution. Landed on side catching Bichette liner. No MRI. Just being careful with him https://t.co/3BSmtAbdcr

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) February 27, 2025

And while that isn't a complete medical clearing, it's certainly good news and we can likely expect Henderson to be back in the lineup this weekend.

UPDATE, 2:45 p.m. ET THURS: Henderson left the game with lower right side discomfort, per MASN.

Gunnar Henderson had lower right side discomfort #orioles

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) February 27, 2025

THURSDAY PM: Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson left Thursday's spring training game after just one inning.

There's been no official word from the O's, but Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun suggests possible instances where Henderson could have experienced some discomfort, leading to worried speculation among baseball fans.

Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson has left today’s game after one inning, replaced by Luis Vasquez in the field.

Unclear why, but Henderson tried to beat out a muffed groundball in the first. He also made a leaping catch in the field.

Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson has left today’s game after one inning, replaced by Luis Vasquez in the field.

Unclear why, but Henderson tried to beat out a muffed groundball in the first. He also made a leaping catch in the field.

— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) February 27, 2025

We will certainly wait for any official word, but Henderson's importance to the Orioles cannot be understated. Other reports indicated that Henderson exited this game with a trainer.

The 23-year-old Alabama native was an All-Star last season, posting a robust 9.1 WAR. He hit 37 home runs, leading the Orioles to a second-place finish in the American League East and a playoff berth. In addition to his home runs, he hit .281 with 92 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He was a Silver Slugger and finished fourth in the American League MVP voting, behind Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr. and Juan Soto.

Should Henderson miss any time at all this season, the Orioles could slide Jackson Holliday back over to shortstop, however, he's been working extensively to get better at second base.

The Orioles will hope that Henderson's issue is minor and will hope to have him ready for Opening Day, which comes up on March 27.

The O's will take on the Toronto Blue Jays in the opener.

Related MLB Stories

HENDERSON EXITS: Andrew Benintendi wasn't the only player to leave a spring game early on Thursday, as Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson left also. CLICK HERE:

HOERNER ON THE MEND: Nico Hoerner, who had flexor tendon surgery in the offseason, won't travel to Toyko for the season-opening Tokyo Series. CLICK HERE:

JUDGE HONORS DAUGHTER: Aaron Judge's custom glove was all over social media on Thursday. CLICK HERE:

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