The Baltimore Orioles suffered more than just a brutal loss on the scoreboard Sunday — they may have lost two of their most important players to injury in the process.
After a crushing 9-2 defeat at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds at Camden Yards, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde delivered troubling news to reporters, revealing that both Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson are dealing with potentially significant injuries.
“It’s tough — really tough,” Hyde said solemnly after the game. “We’re still evaluating both guys, but I’m not going to sugarcoat it. It doesn’t look great right now.”
The All-Star catcher was removed from the game in the fifth inning after grimacing on a swing and grabbing at his left side. Rutschman, who has been a steady force both behind the plate and in the batter’s box, will undergo imaging on Monday. Early indications point toward a possible oblique strain, an injury that could sideline him for several weeks if confirmed.
Just two innings later, star shortstop Gunnar Henderson pulled up while sprinting to first on a groundout. He immediately left the game and was later seen limping in the clubhouse. Hyde confirmed it was left hamstring tightness, and the team is “very concerned” given Henderson’s recent history with soft tissue injuries.
“Both of those guys are leaders for us — in the lineup and in the clubhouse,” Hyde added. “We’ll know more tomorrow, but obviously, this is not what you want to be dealing with, especially not this early in the year.”
The Orioles, who entered the series riding high at the top of the AL East, have now lost four of their last five games. The loss to the Reds was their worst margin of defeat this season and came with defensive miscues and a flat performance from the bullpen.
Now, with two foundational stars in jeopardy, the focus shifts to how the Orioles can weather the storm.
“It’s next man up,” veteran outfielder Cedric Mullins said postgame. “No one’s going to feel sorry for us. We just have to find a way to keep pushing.”
But replacing Rutschman and Henderson? That’s easier said than done.
More updates on their conditions are expected Monday morning, as Baltimore braces for what could be a massive early-season setback.
