In a significant development for the Baltimore Orioles, star shortstop Gunnar Henderson will begin the 2024 season on the 10-day injured list, as announced by General Manager Mike Elias. This news comes as the team finalizes its Opening Day roster, with multiple reporters confirming the update.

Henderson's absence is particularly tough, considering he just wrapped up a phenomenal 2023 season, where he showcased his elite skills and finished fourth in the American League MVP race. With a remarkable batting line of .281/.364/.529 and a high OPS+, Henderson exhibited power and speed, notching 21 stolen bases while contributing significantly to the team’s defense. His standout performance earned him an impressive 8.0 fWAR and 9.1 bWAR, marking him as one of baseball's brightest young talents.

However, an intercostal strain suffered during Spring Training has sidelined Henderson, meaning he will miss at least seven days. Although Elias is optimistic that the injury is not severe and expects a quick recovery, fans will inevitably feel the impact of his absence. In the meantime, the Orioles may turn to rookie Jackson Holliday to fill in at shortstop, while veteran Ramon Urias could take over at second base. Another alternative could be utility player Jorge Mateo, who is currently recovering from elbow surgery. While Mateo's readiness for Opening Day remains uncertain, his versatility could prove valuable, assuming he is healthy. It's worth noting, however, that Mateo's recent performance has not been as explosive offensively as Henderson's.

In addition to the news about Henderson, Elias confirmed that Cade Povich will step into the role of the team’s fifth starter to kick off the season. Joining a rotation that includes notable names like Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, the 25-year-old lefty will be looking to improve on his debut season where he managed a 5.20 ERA. Povich has been impressive in Spring Training, posting a 3.07 ERA over four starts, giving fans hope for a breakout performance as the regular season unfolds.

As the Orioles gear up for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on how the team adapts during Henderson’s absence and whether they can sustain their momentum in what promises to be an exciting year in MLB. Fans will eagerly await Henderson’s return, as his presence is sure to be a game-changer for the Orioles moving forward.