Gunnar Henderson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (intercostal) will play on Wednesday for Triple-A Norfolk and is expected to see seven to nine innings on defense, and then the Orioles will make a decision on whether to activate him from the 10-day injured list for Thursday or wait a day. The O's play a day game on Thursday versus the division-rival Boston Red Sox, which complicates things a bit for travel purposes, so the 23-year-old might not make his 2025 debut until Friday at Camden Yards. Henderson has gone 5-for-16 with two home runs in four minor-league rehab games as he recovers from a right intercostal strain that he suffered in spring training. It sounds like he's doing just fine, and manager Brandon Hyde has already said that Henderson will immediately return to playing every day as the team's leadoff hitter after he's activated. Fantasy managers are hoping he can pick up where he left off last year.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (side) had another encouraging performance with Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday in a 4-3 loss to the Charlotte Knights. Henderson went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk, and two strikeouts. The 23-year-old has been sidelined with an intercostal strain since late February and started the season on the injured list. However, he is expected to return to the O's on Thursday when first eligible and looked good at the plate in his time with Triple-A, batting .313 with two HR in 16 at-bats. Henderson came into the season as a top fantasy pick, and fantasy managers should treat him as such as soon as he makes his way back to the big leagues. Given his rehab performances, they should feel comfortable slotting him right back into their lineups.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (side) is expected to return on Thursday, when he is first eligible to return from the injured list. The 23-year-old has been sidelined since late February with an intercostal strain. However, it appears the superstar should not miss much time. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk in case he faces a setback. Last season, Henderson enjoyed a career season as he posted a .281/.364/.529 slash line with 31 doubles and 37 round-trippers. Henderson tallied 92 RBI and scored 118 runs. He generated an elite .374 xwOBA, .283 xBA, and a .492 xSLG, which were all well above the average marks. When healthy, he should be viewed as a must-start option in all fantasy formats.