Despite suffering muscle strain at the end of February, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson is hoping to play on Opening Day. While he is nowhere near to full strength, Orioles fans will be relieved that he has participated in batting drills and fielding ground balls.
If everything goes well, Henderson might participate in a spring training game before their preseason schedule ends on March 23. The Orioles have been cautious with his return because of his past dealings with abdominal muscle strains, especially last spring training.
Henderson was the 2023 American League Rookie of the Year and a Silver Slugger Award recipient. Last season, he was a Major League Baseball All-Star after finishing with 37 home runs, 31 doubles, and 93 RBIs. His absence could lead the Orioles to place second-year player Jackson Holliday at shortstop from second base. Jordan Westburg and Livan Soto could also play some innings at the Keystone Sack.
-Lance Fernandez