The Baltimore Orioles may be on the verge of getting star shortstop Gunnar Henderson back from the injured list. The 23-year-old Henderson opened the 2025 regular season on the IL because of an intercostal muscle strain he suffered in late February during spring training.

The 23-year-old's presence in the lineup is a major reason the Orioles reached the playoffs in each of the last two seasons and once again have high expectations in 2025. That he won't end up missing much time with his early injury should also help them avoid falling into too much of a hole in the AL East in the initial portion of the season.

Star shortstop Gunnar Henderson is expected to return to the Baltimore Orioles on Friday at Kansas City after missing the start of the season with a right intercostal strain. Manager Brandon Hyde said Henderson is "probable" for the series opener against the Royals.