Orioles Star Gunnar Henderson Played Through Injury

Sometimes the best seasons come from the toughest circumstances, and Baltimore Orioles star Gunnar Henderson just proved it.

The 24-year-old shortstop revealed he played through a painful left shoulder impingement for much of last season. Despite the injury limiting his swing mechanics, Henderson still managed to post numbers most players would envy: a .274 batting average, 17 home runs, 68 RBIs, and a career-high 30 stolen bases.

"I was proud of the way it turned out at the end," Henderson said during the Orioles' Birdland Caravan last Friday. "To be able to put together that season with not feeling 100 percent."

The injury happened early in the season when Henderson dove for a ball. The shoulder impingement and inflammation affected his ability to swing properly, causing him to "chop down on the ball" instead of his usual smooth stroke.

His power numbers dropped from 37 home runs in 2024 to 17 last season, but Henderson adapted. He became more aggressive on the basepaths, successfully stealing 30 of 35 attempted bases and tying for ninth in the American League.

Henderson's decision to play through pain made sense given Baltimore's injury crisis. The team used the injured list 39 times last season, with 29 different players missing games.

Why This Inspires

What makes Henderson's story uplifting isn't just his individual perseverance. It's his attitude heading into 2026 with a healthy shoulder and renewed optimism.

The Orioles brought in major reinforcements this offseason, including four-time All-Star Pete Alonso at first base, closer Ryan Helsley, and several other key players. The team also hired a new manager and revamped the coaching staff after a disappointing 75-87 season.

"It's obviously a new year, new faces in the clubhouse," Henderson said. "I feel like we're looking forward to meshing and getting ready for this season and, ultimately, getting back to what we're good at, and that's winning ballgames."

Alonso, who spent time with Henderson during the caravan, praised the young core's potential. "They're really good for the game of baseball," he said. "I just want to complement them and help them the best that I possibly can."

With his shoulder now fully healed and a roster rebuilt for success, Henderson is poised to return to his 2024 MVP-caliber form when he finished fourth in voting with a .893 OPS and 9.1 Wins Above Replacement.

Sometimes a step back is just preparation for a giant leap forward.