Spring training in Major League Baseball is fully underway and teams are working to finalize rosters. These games do not mean much for the star players outside of prepping them for action again before Opening Day. But, it is always scary when one of those stars gets pulled from the game. Baltimore Orioles superstar Gunnar Henderson left Thursday’s spring training game after just one inning due to lower right side discomfort according to MASN.
When your franchise shortstop exits early in a meaningless spring game, it’s hard not to panic just a little.
What Happened? A Couple of Potential Warning Signs
Henderson, the 23-year-old Alabama native who took the baseball world by storm last season, was replaced in the field by Luis Vázquez.
Now, there wasn’t any obvious sign of distress, but Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun pointed out a couple of moments where Henderson might’ve tweaked something.
First when he hustled down the line trying to beat out a muffed groundball. Then later when he made a leaping catch in the field.
Did one of those plays do him in? Did he feel something tighten up and decide not to push it?
We’re all waiting for more answers, but one thing’s for sure—Orioles fans really don’t want to start their season without last year’s MVP candidate.
The Orioles Cannot Afford to Lose Henderson
And speaking of last year, let’s not forget just how important this guy is to Baltimore’s success.
Henderson was an absolute force in 2024, putting up a 9.1 WAR while launching 37 home runs, driving in 92 runs, swiping 21 bags, and slashing .281/.354/.521.
That performance earned him Silver Slugger honors and a fourth-place finish in the AL MVP race, trailing only Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., and Juan Soto. Not bad company.
The Orioles are primed to contend in 2025, and Henderson is a huge part of that equation. If, and it’s still a big if, he were to miss time, Baltimore would have to reshuffle their infield.
Who Would Fill the Gap at Shortstop?
Top prospect Jackson Holliday has been getting reps at second base, but he could shift back to shortstop if needed.
Still, that’s not an ideal scenario—Holliday is working to refine his skills at second, and moving him back to short would disrupt the team’s defensive plans.
The Orioles also have other depth pieces, but none that can replace Henderson’s bat and overall impact. Hopefully this discomfort is just that and he is back quickly.
