The Infielder’s 2025 spring training got off to a worrisome start for Baltimore Orioles fans. After just six at-bats, the team’s star player left a game with a trainer following the first inning. Thankfully, it wasn’t a major injury, but Henderson was dealing with pain on his right side.
The injury occurred in late February, and now, in mid-March, Henderson has yet to make another game appearance. While there’s still some time before Opening Day, the lack of progress is becoming increasingly noticeable. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has consistently downplayed the injury, stating that Henderson is making progress, but he hasn’t provided a timeline for his return.
With Opening Day approaching, the absence of a clear recovery plan is starting to raise concerns among Orioles fans. Those worries only grew when Baltimore released their lineup for Monday’s spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jackson Holliday, slotted to lead off and play shortstop, appears to be filling in for Henderson. Seeing Holliday not only hit in Henderson’s usual spot but also take over at shortstop could hint at something more significant.
Jackson Holliday’s shortstop placement gives Orioles fans reason to panic about Gunnar Henderson’s injury
Holliday has played in eight games this spring, all at second base — the position he’s expected to occupy most often, forming an exciting double-play duo with shortstop Henderson.
While Holliday playing shortstop isn’t entirely unfamiliar — he logged more appearances and starts at shortstop than any other position in the minors and was drafted by Baltimore as a shortstop — seeing him at the position in an MLB setting is new.
So far in his brief MLB career, the 21-year-old has made three appearances and one start at shortstop, compared to 56 appearances and 52 starts at second base. As the team’s second baseman, Holliday has been working with Brian Roberts, one of the best second basemen in Orioles history, to enhance his defensive skills at the position earlier this spring.
The Orioles wouldn’t be giving Holliday starts at shortstop if they didn’t see him as a potential option at the position in 2025. This doesn’t necessarily mean Henderson is at risk of missing Opening Day, but it does create the possibility of Holliday filling in at shortstop if needed.