Fri Feb 28 11:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Orioles’ Henderson Exits Spring Training Game with Injury, Exposing Infield Depth Concerns
**SARASOTA, FL –** Baltimore Orioles star Gunnar Henderson left Thursday’s spring training game in the first inning with an undisclosed injury, raising concerns about the team’s infield depth. While the extent of Henderson’s injury is unknown and the Orioles await further updates, his absence immediately highlighted a potential weakness in their lineup.
The team’s backup shortstop is Jackson Holliday, who also starts at second base. This leaves the Orioles in a precarious position should Henderson, or even Holliday himself, be sidelined. While Holliday can play shortstop, his arm strength is a significant concern. According to Baseball America, his throws from shortstop averaged just over 78 mph in Triple-A last year, slower than all but three MLB shortstops in 2023.
This weakness was further underscored by the recent work of Orioles legend Brian Roberts, who has been coaching Holliday and Henderson on their double-play combinations. Roberts specifically noted Holliday’s need to improve his footwork and power feed from second to short.
While Holliday’s versatility is an asset, his defensive capabilities at shortstop fall short of what’s needed for a long-term solution. His weaker arm raises questions about his ability to consistently handle MLB’s faster baserunners at the position. Henderson’s injury, therefore, serves as a stark reminder of the Orioles’ vulnerability at the infield positions should injuries persist.
First Piper 