The biggest priority during spring training is keeping key Orioles players healthy. Unfortunately for O’s fans, recent game brought some concerning news, as shortstop exited after just one inning due to “lower right side discomfort.”
His injury wasn’t the only infield-related concern of the day. Before the game, the team announced that Jordan Westburg, who had been out of the lineup for a few days, is dealing with a back issue and is receiving treatment. He is expected to return in a few days, but that remains to be seen.
With the game against the Blue Jays not being televised, there was no immediate visual confirmation of what happened to Henderson. In the first inning, he leaped to make a catch and later sprinted to first base while trying to beat out a misplayed grounder. He was then replaced at shortstop by Luis Vázquez for the top of the second inning.
After the game, manager Brandon Hyde told reporters that Henderson’s discomfort resulted from landing on his side after the catch. Hyde added that there are no plans for an MRI and that Henderson will be re-evaluated tomorrow.
The severity of “lower right side discomfort” will determine the level of concern. If it’s an oblique strain, it could jeopardize Henderson’s availability for Opening Day. If it’s just a minor tweak or cramp, the team’s cautious approach during spring training could mean it’s nothing serious.
Regardless, it’s unsettling to even consider losing a player of Henderson’s caliber, as there’s no real contingency plan for an MVP-level shortstop going down. While there’s no need to panic yet, it’s hard not to be holding your breath—at least figuratively.