Baltimore Orioles' Star Provides Positive Injury Update On Ailing Oblique

Baltimore Orioles star Gunnar Henderson, who won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2023, says he only expects to miss a handful of spring training games as he battles back from a tweaked oblique.

Speaking to the media on Thursday morning, Baltimore Orioles' star Gunnar Henderson says he is progressing well from his tweaked oblique.

Per Jake Rill of MLB.com on social media:

Gunnar Henderson said his left oblique is progressing well. He thinks he should only miss a few #Orioles Grapefruit League games before getting into action.

Gunnar Henderson said his left oblique is progressing well. He thinks he should only miss a few #Orioles Grapefruit League games before getting into action.

— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) February 22, 2024

Obliques tend to be serious issues that can really linger so the fact that Henderson thinks this is only a slight delay is great news for the Orioles. Baltimore can't really afford any more injuries this spring as they already are likely to have both Kyle Bradish and John Means start the year on the injured list. Closer Felix Bautista is out for the season with Tommy John surgery.

One of the best young players in baseball, Henderson won the American League Rookie of the Year a season ago. He hit .255 with 28 homers and 82 RBI in helping the Orioles win 101 games and capture the American League East crown.

He figures to pair with Jackson Holliday (baseball's No. 1 prospect) for years to come in the O's infield, though it's not a given that Holliday makes the roster out of camp in 2024.

In addition to Henderson, the Orioles will be counting on Anthony Santander and Adley Rutschman to carry the offense this season. They also will rely heavily on ace Corbin Burnes, who they acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers, and newly-signed closer Craig Kimbrel, who is taking Bautista's spot at the back end of the bullpen.

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