The Baltimore Orioles moved shortstop Gunnar Henderson into the leadoff spot Monday ahead of their home series opener against the Chicago White Sox, marking his first time batting first since May 16. Outfielder Taylor Ward shifted down to the second spot as Baltimore looks to generate more consistent offensive production after struggling through the first half of the season.
Henderson, 24, is in his eighth season with the Orioles organization after being selected in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft. He reached the big leagues in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the game's brightest young players, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2023 and earning a Silver Slugger the same season. He made the 2024 All-Star team and finished fourth in AL MVP voting after one of the league's most productive offensive campaigns. Monday also marked Henderson's 24th birthday.
The move comes during a difficult offensive season for the shortstop. Through 84 games, Henderson is batting .221 with a .291 on-base percentage, a .701 OPS, 16 home runs and 39 RBIs. Those numbers sit well below the standards he established in recent seasons. He batted .281 with 37 home runs and 92 RBIs in 2024, making this year's slump an unusual development for one of Baltimore's cornerstone players. His power numbers have continued to hold value even as his average has fallen off significantly from prior seasons.
Henderson entered Monday's game after going 0-for-4 against the Washington Nationals on Sunday. Manager Craig Albernaz explained the decision to swap Henderson and Ward in the lineup, telling Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun that the change was partly logistical.
"It's a long run from Ward [from] LF after the inning's over. ... Just wanted to switch it up."
When asked whether he had considered moving Henderson further down the order, Albernaz was direct.
"Yeah, absolutely. He's hit second. He's hitting first today."
Batting first gives Henderson additional plate appearances against White Sox right-hander Sean Burke and allows Ward, Adley Rutschman and Pete Alonso to hit behind him in an effort to create more run-scoring opportunities throughout the lineup.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Baltimore enters the series with a 39-46 record, sitting fourth in the American League East while trying to remain within reach of the Wild Card race. The Orioles open the series at Oriole Park at Camden Yards with the first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET.
With Henderson struggling through the most difficult offensive stretch of his young career, moving him to the top of the batting order reflects Baltimore's belief that more plate appearances, not fewer, represent the clearest path back to the run production the Orioles need from their most important hitter.
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