Gunnar Henderson made his return to the Baltimore Orioles’ starting lineup on Friday night after beginning the season on the injured list due to a right intercostal strain. The shortstop was activated from the 10-day IL and immediately placed in the leadoff spot against the Kansas City Royals. Despite his return, the Orioles struggled offensively and fell 8-2 to the Royals. Henderson went 1-for-4 at the plate with a single and a strikeout in his season debut.
The 23-year-old rising star had an impressive 2024 season, batting .281 with 37 home runs, 92 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. His performance earned him fourth place in the American League MVP voting, further solidifying his role as a key contributor for Baltimore. However, Henderson’s 2025 campaign was delayed after he left a spring training game on February 27 due to discomfort in his lower right side. The issue was later diagnosed as a strain in the intercostal muscles, which are located around the rib cage and are essential for movements like swinging and twisting.
In preparation for his return, Henderson completed a five-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk, where he hit .263, collecting five hits in 19 at-bats, including two home runs and four RBIs.
As part of the roster adjustment, the Orioles also optioned outfielder Dylan Carlson to Triple-A Norfolk. Baltimore, which had scored at least eight runs in four of its first six games this season, has recently hit a rough patch, being shut out by Boston on Wednesday and losing again to the Red Sox 8-4 on Thursday. With Henderson back in the lineup, the Orioles hope to regain their offensive momentum.
