SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Rising star shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, Gunnar Henderson, was sidelined during a spring training matchup on Thursday due to discomfort in his lower right side. Henderson, who was awarded the American League Rookie of the Year in 2023 and was selected for the 2024 All-Star Game, showcased his defensive prowess by making a spectacular jumping catch against Toronto and also batted in the first inning before being substituted out as a precautionary measure, according to post-game statements by manager Brandon Hyde. Hyde mentioned that Henderson experienced tightness in his side following the remarkable catch but assured that an MRI was not deemed necessary.
Debuting with the Orioles in 2022 after being drafted in the second round in 2019, Henderson has been remarkably resilient, never once landing on the injured list during his professional career. His durability was evident when he played in 150 games in 2023 and an impressive 159 games in 2024, a season where he achieved personal bests with 31 doubles, 37 home runs, 92 runs batted in, 21 stolen bases, and an impressive .893 on-base plus slugging percentage.
In addition to Henderson’s absence, the Orioles are also facing the temporary loss of All-Star third baseman Jordan Westburg, who is anticipated to be out of the lineup for a few more days due to a nagging lower back issue.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
