Orioles All-Star SS Gunnar Henderson to make season debut

Field Level Media|published: 04/04/2025, 4:08pm EDT

Feb 27, 2025; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) at bat during the first inning and then left the game during the inning against the Toronto Blue Jaysat Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Baltimore Orioles All-Star shortstop Gunnar Henderson was activated from the 10-day injured list and will make his season debut on Friday night against the Kansas City Royals.

Henderson has been sidelined with a right intercostal strain and missed the first seven games of the big-league campaign.

The 23-year-old Henderson will lead off and play shortstop against the host Royals.

Henderson was injured during a spring training game on Feb. 27. He was fourth in American League MVP voting last season when he batted .281 and racked up career bests of 37 homers and 92 RBIs.

Henderson completed a five-game rehab stint at Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday. He batted .263 (5-for-19) with two homers and four RBIs and played four games at shortstop and one as the designated hitter. He did commit three errors.

"I think everybody's looking forward to having Gunnar back on the team," Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde said on Thursday. "The rehab went really, really well. I talked to him a couple days ago, he feels great swinging the bat. The timing came, especially the last few days. He just had to get out there and get some reps defensively and get some games in, and it all went well."

Baltimore optioned outfielder Dylan Carlson to Triple-A Norfolk to open up a roster spot. The 26-year-old was 0-for-4 with a run and RBI in two games this season.

--Field Level Media