The Baltimore Orioles were in dire need of positive news concerning All-Star shortstop, and fortunately, the player is eager to provide it. He shared with reporters that he is progressing in his recovery from a mild right intercostal strain. The injury, which occurred on February 27, had kept him from baseball activities until recently. However, Henderson is confident he will be ready for Opening Day. The Orioles kick off their season against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 27. “That’s my plan,” Henderson said Saturday morning. “I’m on the right track, progressing,” he added, noting, “It’s getting there. It feels a lot better than it did originally,” as reported on the Orioles’ official website.
In 2023, Henderson posted impressive stats with a .281 batting average, 37 home runs, 92 RBIs, 21 stolen bases, and a remarkable 9.1 bWAR. He finished fourth in AL MVP voting and helped lead the Orioles to their second consecutive playoff appearance. The team is already without starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, who is dealing with a right triceps/elbow injury, and reliever Andrew Kittredge, who is recovering from a left knee issue. Rodriguez is out indefinitely, while Kittredge is expected to return later in the summer.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde expressed hope that Henderson will be ready for Opening Day but acknowledged that the timing will depend on how Henderson responds to at-bats and game activity. “It’s going to depend on how many at-bats he can get and how it reacts after a game, soreness, all that kind of stuff,” Hyde said. Henderson mentioned he hopes to return to action before Opening Day. The Orioles have another week in Florida before their March 24 exhibition against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park.