BREAKING: Baltimore Orioles MVP Candidate Leaves Game with Side Discomfort

Gunnar Henderson left after just inning of play on Thursday.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) during spring training workouts at Ed Smith Stadium. / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

UPDATE, 2:45 p.m. ET: Henderson left the game with lower right side discomfort, per MASN.

Gunnar Henderson had lower right side discomfort #orioles

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) February 27, 2025

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson left Thursday's spring training game after just one inning.

There's been no official word from the O's, but Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun suggests possible instances where Henderson could have experienced some discomfort, leading to worried speculation among baseball fans.

Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson has left today’s game after one inning, replaced by Luis Vasquez in the field.

Unclear why, but Henderson tried to beat out a muffed groundball in the first. He also made a leaping catch in the field.

Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson has left today’s game after one inning, replaced by Luis Vasquez in the field.

Unclear why, but Henderson tried to beat out a muffed groundball in the first. He also made a leaping catch in the field.

— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) February 27, 2025

We will certainly wait for any official word, but Henderson's importance to the Orioles cannot be understated. Other reports indicated that Henderson exited this game with a trainer.

The 23-year-old Alabama native was an All-Star last season, posting a robust 9.1 WAR. He hit 37 home runs, leading the Orioles to a second-place finish in the American League East and a playoff berth. In addition to his home runs, he hit .281 with 92 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He was a Silver Slugger and finished fourth in the American League MVP voting, behind Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr. and Juan Soto.

Should Henderson miss any time at all this season, the Orioles could slide Jackson Holliday back over to shortstop, however, he's been working extensively to get better at second base.

The Orioles will hope that Henderson's issue is minor and will hope to have him ready for Opening Day, which comes up on March 27.

The O's will take on the Toronto Blue Jays in the opener.

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