The Baltimore Orioles promoted high prospect Gunnar Henderson to the majors on Wednesday, and he did not take lengthy earlier than launching his first profession residence run in what was his second at-bat. Have a look:
Henderson went 2 for 4, as he later added a ninth-inning single as a part of a 4-0 victory (box score).
Henderson, 21, was the Orioles’ second-round select of highschool in 2019 and he is moved rapidly by way of the system since. The Orioles had him enjoying third and batting sixth towards the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday.
He performed in 47 video games in Double-A this season earlier than transferring to Triple-A, the place he is appeared in 65. In all in 2022, he is hitting .297/.416/.531 with 24 doubles, seven triples, 19 homers, 76 RBI, 101 runs and 22 steals in 112 video games. Henderson has performed principally third base and shortstop at each stops this season.
CBS Sports activities’ R.J. Anderson recently explained why Henderson was considered arguably the top prospect in the minors:
He is impressed scouts together with his above-average uncooked energy and his defensive potential. The Orioles have cross-trained him at each left-side infield positions all through his profession, however scouts count on him to finish up at third base long run.
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Henderson joined an Orioles crew that’s surprisingly pushing for a playoff spot. The O’s entered Wednesday with a 67-61 report, placing them three video games again of the Blue Jays for the ultimate wild-card spot within the American League. Henderson, together with his Wednesday call-up, could be eligible for the postseason roster in the event that they make it.
It is value point out that Henderson has seen very restricted time at second base, however that it began lately. In his final 9 video games, Henderson has performed second base six occasions. The transfer is maybe a precursor to Henderson taking up second base from Rougned Odor with Jorge Mateo at shortstop and Ramón Urías at third.
The Orioles even have the power to mix-and-match and transfer Henderson round between positions.
One other layer right here that’s intriguing: The Orioles are the one crew in baseball with two 20-plus stolen base gamers in Cedric Mullins and Mateo — and they’re each near 30. Henderson has 22 steals within the minors, so the promotion provides them one other sturdy risk on the basepaths.
The Orioles already promoted high prospect Adley Rutschman earlier within the season and he’s likely to finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, if not make a surge to profitable the award. Henderson being added to the combo is simply that rather more pleasure for the Orioles and their followers.
