Baltimore Orioles Superstar Set to Begin Rehab Assignment at Triple-A

Gunnar Henderson is on the injured list with a right intercostal strain but he could be back next week if all goes well. He'll start his season with the Norfolk Tides.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) runs to second on a wild pitch by Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty (0) during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium in 2024. | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Orioles placed superstar shortstop Gunnar Henderson on the injured list on Thursday with a right intercostal strain. However, Henderson will play a game on Friday, as he'll immediately begin his rehab assignment with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides.

The Tides will play against the Durham Bulls, the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. It is Opening Day for Triple-A teams all across the country.

Gunnar Henderson will play in Norfolk tomorrow

— Danielle Allentuck (@d_allentuck) March 27, 2025

Henderson, a 23-year-old Alabama native was an All-Star last year, posting a robust 9.1 WAR. He hit 37 home runs, also hitting .281 with 92 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He was a Silver Slugger winner and finished fourth in the American League MVP voting, behind Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr. and Juan Soto.

Heading into his fourth major league season, Henderson should be seen as an MVP candidate in the American League. He's a .268 lifetime hitter with 69 homers already. If all goes well with his rehab assignment, he could be back in the Orioles' lineup as early as next week.

He'll eventually pair with Tyler O'Neill, Adley Rutschman and Jackson Holliday in the Orioles order.

Baltimore is coming off a season in which it finished second in the American League East and advanced to the playoffs. However, they were swept in the American League wild card series by the Kansas City Royals. Baltimore last won the division in 2023, advancing to the American League Division Series.

The Orioles will take on the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night at 7:07 pm. ET.

Related MiLB Stories

SPROAT TURNING HEADS: With the Triple-A season beginning on Friday, Mets' prospect Brandon Sproat has been identified as a player to watch. He nearly hit 100 MPH this spring training. CLICK HERE:

FORMER ALL-STAR BACK TO SEATTLE: Drew Pomeranz, 36, didn't make the Mariners out of spring training, but he's back in the organization on a minor league deal. CLICK HERE:

WS CHAMP TO REHAB AT TRIPLE-A: Lance McCullers, who is a two-time World Series champ for the Astros, is working his way back. CLICK HERE: