This spring training season will not leave any team out of injury scares! The Orioles are the latest addition to this list with their star shortstop Gunnar Henderson being administered concussion care following a minor discomfort. While Henderson has no major injury, thankfully, the watchful Orioles are in no hurry to get him back to action. Hence, Henderson is getting off this weekend from on-field activities.
Injury frequency is increasing this season, and there are instances where playing with minor discomfort led to a major issue. Remember Matt Vierling from the Tigers? With his long-term injury, he is now away from the action for the time being. Hence, a good strategy was used by the Orioles. However, why is Henderson placed on precautionary measures if there are no major signs of injuries? Is it because of his importance to the team or other information that has yet to see the light? What are the possibilities left with the Orioles in case of Henderson not playing?
Getting defensive with Gunnar Henderson
Well, it’s the value that Gunnar Henderson offers to the team that made them more careful. Throughout the last three major league seasons, Henderson has never been placed on the injured list. Last year, he batted in 159 games, which was a team high of .281 with 92 RBIs, 37 home runs, seven triples, 31 doubles, and an OPS of. 893. Not getting injured and playing 159 games in a single season says a lot about Henderson’s utility for the Orioles. However, this time, he had lower right side discomfort due to an awkward jump in the game against the Blue Jays on Thursday.
Why would the team take a risk with their top player, that too, in the practice season? Expectedly, the Orioles got into precautionary mode. “We felt like the best thing to do was just let him go inside and look at it and relax,” the Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “We’ll continue to monitor it.”
Clearly there’s no reason to hurry with Henderson’s recovery, and it’s better to make him ready and rejuvenated for the opening day rather than putting him on the field now. However, he will be monitored for any further discomfort. Hopefully, Henderson will be ready for the action soon. But in case things need a longer timeline, are the Orioles equipped enough to deal with any unwarranted situations?
Future possibilities for the Orioles
The Orioles have got Jordan Westburg and Jorge Mateo in the rotation for Gunnar Henderson. However, Westberg, an All-Star infielder, has also been out of the team this week due to lower back pain. As per the team brief, this is also a precautionary measure. However, the top two players in the rotation being away with physical discomfort is not a healthy sign for the Orioles. Last year, Westberg scored 18 HRs and 63 RBIs for the Orioles, and thus, it is equally important for him to stay fit, similar to Henderson. The first choice, nevertheless, will always be him in the absence of Henderson.
The Orioles also have the option to go with Jorge Mateo, who is coming with 5 HRs and 18 RBIs from the last year. While the numbers are not on par with the other two, he can be the reliable option in case of the other two in concussion. The Orioles lost a few good names this year, like Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander. However, they are unlikely to make any more significant position-player additions. Thus, keeping players like Henderson safe and fit is what the team needs at this early stage of the season.
Gunnar Henderson should be back in the next week, and hopefully, the fans will be able to witness their slugger go big as usual. What do you think about Henderson’s injury? Share your thoughts with us below.
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