Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson has emerged as an MVP-caliber player in recent seasons. If Baltimore is going to compete in 2025, Henderson will likely lead the way. However, the 23-year-old infielder endured a frightening moment on Thursday in a spring training contest against the Toronto Blue Jays, via Danielle Allentuck of The Baltimore Banner.

“Gunnar Henderson is out of the game after one inning and is walking out with a trainer,” Allentuck wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Henderson left in the first inning of the game, leading to concern about a potential injury. Teams are extremely cautious in spring training, though, which is something Allentuck mentioned.

Gunnar Henderson's important impact on Orioles

Henderson has played a pivotal role in the Orioles' success in recent years. Baltimore has become a legitimate contending team. The O's feature a talented young roster with an attention-catching ceiling. Perhaps this Orioles ball club can make a World Series run sooner rather than later.

Article Continues Below
More Baltimore Orioles News
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Ryan O'Hearn (32) hits a single during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Ryan O’Hearn feeling optimistic with Orioles getting key players back from injuryBenjamin Adducchio ·
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Coby Mayo (16) against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Orioles make Coby Mayo move after Ryan Mountcastle injuryBenedetto Vitale ·
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Zach Eflin gives Orioles’ staff hope with elite outingBenedetto Vitale ·
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (6) runs the bases after hitting a run-scoring single in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.
Orioles’ first baseman suffers injury vs. White SoxJoey Mistretta ·
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) and right fielder Ryan O'Hearn (32) do a leaping low five to celebrate the victory against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
MLB rumors: What Orioles are telling trade suitors about deadline plansChristopher Hennessy ·
Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker (45) walks back to the dugout in the seventh inning at Target Field.
Orioles rumors: Insider reveals Baltimore’s leading manager candidatesChristopher Hennessy ·

Henderson technically made his big league debut in 2022, but his official rookie season was in 2023. The infielder ultimately earned the American League Rookie of the Year Award in the '23 campaign following an impressive campaign.

In 2024, Henderson finished fourth in AL MVP voting after slashing .281/.364/.529/.893 across 159 games played. He added 37 home runs, 31 doubles, 92 RBI and 21 stolen bases.

He has been able to stay healthy for the most part in his first two big league seasons as well, playing in at least 150 games in both 2023 and 2024. Henderson's durability and talent have been crucial for the Orioles without question.

Baltimore is going to proceed with extreme caution in the spring following Henderson's scare on Thursday. The hope, of course, is that whatever issue Henderson is dealing with will prove to not be anything too serious. The Orioles will provide further updates once they are made available.