BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 17: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles hits a home run against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 17, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Gunnar Henderson is expected to make his return to the Orioles’ lineup on Friday, April 4, for the series opener against the Kansas City Royals.
Henderson has been out with a right intercostal strain suffered during spring training. Although he was close to being activated for Thursday’s game against the Red Sox, the Orioles opted to give him an extra day after his final rehab appearance with Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday night.
During his rehab stint, he played in three games and went 4-for-12 with a home run and three RBIs. Manager Brandon Hyde listed Henderson as “probable” for Friday, and his return should provide a big lift to the Orioles as they look to keep pace early in the season.
For fantasy managers this will be a big boost to owners who took him in the first round. Without missing much time, Henderson, if further injury is avoided, will have plenty of time to return first round value.
