In a recent Grapefruit League game, Baltimore Orioles star shortstop Gunnar Henderson exited due to lower right side discomfort. The incident occurred during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Ed Smith Stadium.
Despite initial concerns, the Orioles are taking a cautious approach, ensuring that Henderson gets adequate rest. The 23-year-old player has not undergone an MRI, and there are no current plans for one. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any potential aggravation of the injury.
The Orioles are also monitoring All-Star infielder Jordan Westburg, who has been sidelined with lower back soreness. Both players are crucial to the team’s lineup, and their health statuses will be closely watched in the coming days.
Gunnar Henderson’s Injury Details
Gunnar Henderson’s injury occurred during a defensive play in the first inning of the game. He made a hit-robbing play on a ball off the bat of Toronto’s Bo Bichette, landing awkwardly. Although he initially stayed in the game and even grounded out to first base, he began to feel discomfort and was subsequently pulled at the start of the second inning.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde emphasized that Henderson’s removal was for precautionary reasons and not a major cause for concern.
Manager’s Perspective
Manager Brandon Hyde commented that the decision to remove Henderson was primarily precautionary. *In the first inning of a Spring Training game in February, we felt like the best thing to do was just let him go inside and look at it and relax,* Hyde explained. This cautious approach is consistent with how the Orioles have managed Henderson’s health in the past, particularly during last year’s Spring Training when he dealt with left oblique soreness.
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Henderson’s Past Performance and Importance to the Team
Gunnar Henderson has been a cornerstone for the Orioles over the past three seasons. Last year, he played a team-high 159 games, batting .281 with 31 doubles, seven triples, 37 home runs, 92 RBIs, and an .893 OPS.
His impressive performance earned him a first-time All-Star selection and a fourth-place finish in the American League MVP Award voting. In 2023, he was named the AL Rookie of the Year and also won an AL Silver Slugger Award.
Henderson’s Durability
One of the most remarkable aspects of Henderson’s career is his durability. Over three big league seasons, he has never been placed on the injured list. This makes his recent exit from the game particularly noteworthy and a point of concern for both the team and fans.
The Orioles are keen on ensuring that Henderson remains healthy for the upcoming season, given his pivotal role in the lineup.
Jordan Westburg’s Status
In addition to Henderson, the Orioles are also monitoring the health of All-Star infielder Jordan Westburg. Westburg has been out of game action since last Saturday due to lower back soreness.
Manager Brandon Hyde has described Westburg’s absence as precautionary and noted that the 26-year-old is *improving* and feels better than he did on Thursday.
Westburg’s Role in the Team
Jordan Westburg is another key player for the Orioles. His absence from the lineup is significant, and the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure his full recovery. Westburg’s health will be a critical factor as the Orioles prepare for the upcoming season.
Future Implications for the Orioles
The health statuses of Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg are crucial for the Orioles as they gear up for the new season. Both players are integral to the team’s success, and their well-being will significantly impact the team’s performance.
The Orioles are likely to continue their cautious approach, prioritizing the long-term health of their star players over immediate game action.
Monitoring and Updates
Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring updates on Henderson and Westburg. The team’s medical staff will undoubtedly be vigilant in assessing their conditions and ensuring they are ready for the season.
Given Henderson’s and Westburg’s contributions to the team, their recovery processes will be critical storylines to follow.
Conclusion
The Baltimore Orioles are taking a prudent approach in handling the recent injuries of Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg. They aim to have both players fit and ready for the upcoming season by prioritizing their health and ensuring they get adequate rest. Henderson’s and Westburg’s statuses will be closely watched, given their importance to the team’s lineup.
As the Orioles continue their Spring Training, the focus will remain on the long-term health and performance of these key players.
For more detailed information about Gunnar Henderson’s recent exit due to right side discomfort, you can read the full article on MLB.com.
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