Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson will miss opening day on Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays as he begins the season on the 10-day injured list.

General manager Mike Elias told reporters Sunday morning that Henderson, 23, has been battling an intercostal strain that he suffered on Feb. 27 during spring training, and has taken just six at-bats in exhibition play, with one hit. However, Elias said Henderson’s absence should be measured in “days, not weeks,” and the team hopes will be ready to return after the minimum stay on the IL.

Henderson was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2023.  In 2024, he slashed .281/.364/.529 in 159 games, and was a first-time All-Star with 37 home runs, 31 doubles, 92 RBIs and an OPS of .893 – finishing fourth in the American League MVP voting.

In 343 career games with Baltimore, Henderson batted .268 with 69 homers and 192 RBIs.

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