Gunnar Henderson's Season Start Delayed by Injury

The Baltimore Orioles will have to wait a bit longer to see their star shortstop, Gunnar Henderson, in action. The 23-year-old has been sidelined since late February due to a strained intercostal muscle. This injury has kept him out of Grapefruit League games and has forced him to miss the season opener. Henderson had been slowly returning to baseball activities, but it's clear that he won't be ready for the start of the season. The Orioles are taking a cautious approach, given Henderson's past issues with abdominal muscle strains. Last year, he played through discomfort in his left oblique for the first three weeks of spring training. This time around, the injury is different and has taken longer to heal. The team is being extra careful because Henderson is a key player. He played in 159 games last year, hitting 37 home runs and driving in 92 runs. His performance earned him a spot in the All-Star game and the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2023. In his career so far, he has hit 69 home runs and driven in 192 runs in 343 games. The Orioles want to make sure Henderson is fully healed before he steps back onto the field. They don't want him to push through any pain or discomfort, especially early in the season. This approach shows that the team values Henderson's long-term health and success over short-term gains. Injuries are a part of the game, and it's important for players to take the time they need to heal properly. Henderson's situation is a reminder that even young, talented players can face setbacks. The Orioles will need to rely on other players to step up while Henderson is out, but they know he'll be back stronger than ever. It's also worth noting that Henderson's injury highlights the importance of proper training and conditioning. Players need to be in top shape to avoid injuries and perform at their best. The Orioles will likely be focusing on this as they work to get Henderson back on the field. In the meantime, fans will have to be patient and wait for Henderson's return. But when he does come back, they can expect to see the same power and skill that made him a standout player last year.