BALTIMORE—Oriole fans are excited about the debut of No. 1 prospect Gunnar Henderson, who’s at Triple-A Norfolk and who some thought might be added to the major league club on Tuesday as the Orioles begin a three-game homestand against Chicago White Sox.
Henderson, who’s batting .289 with a .908 OPS and 11 home runs and 40 RBIs in 58 games for Norfolk, has played all four infield positions for the Tides. Last week, Henderson played first and second base twice, his first starts there as a professional.
Manager Brandon Hyde, who earlier this season was peppered with questions about Adley Rutschman’s arrival gets to do it all over again.
“When you’re the number one prospect in baseball, everyone is excited about him,” Hyde said. “We’re looking forward to the day he makes his debut, but right now, honestly, I’m really focused on the 26 guys we have in our clubhouse, and when the day comes that he’s here, I’ll be excited about that. But right now, I do follow what our Triple-A team does. I follow what our Double-A team does. I know what our prospects are doing at the upper levels.
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“Gunnar is one of those, and we’re excited about his future, bur right now, it’s about the guys we have in our clubhouse and going to win tonight’s game.”
Holliday promoted to Delmarva: The Florida Complex League season ended on Tuesday, and shortstop Jackson Holliday, the overall No. 1 draft choice and the 14th-rated prospect by MLB Pipeline, concluded his stint by going 2-for-3.
In eight games, Holliday hit .409 with a home run and three RBIs and a 1.167 OPS. He stole three bases.
Holliday will join other members of his draft class at Single-A Delmarva. He’s scheduled to debut on Tbursday. The latest to join the Shorebirds is shortstop Carter Young, the 17th-round pick in last month’s draft.
Right-hander Juan De Los Santos was placed on the Delmarva development list. Right-hander Dylan Heid and infielder Isaac DeLeon move from Delmarva to High-A Aberdeen. Outfielder Mishael Deson was sent from Delmarva to the Florida Complex League, and pitcher Carson King retired.
Tuesday was also the final day for the Dominican Summer League.
Orioles top MLB Pipeline rankings: Despite Rutschman’s ascension to the major leagues, the Orioles maintained their top position in MLB Pipeline rankings of farm systems.
The Orioles also led in the midseason rankings in 2021, and the ones before this season.
Henderson is rated No. 2 among all prospects by MLP Pipeline.
Wells throws: Tyler Wells, who’s on the 15-day injured left because of left side discomfort, threw a short bullpen session for the first time on Tuesday.
“No issues, and I was pleased with it,” Wells said. “Today was a good feel day to just move down the mound and get a good feel for it.”
Wells says that he feels strong after not pitching since July 27th.
“I’m trying to come back better than I was before, stronger, faster, better shape,” Wells said.
Hyde said the Orioles would see how Wells feels on Wednesday and then decide his next step.
“I’m definitely hopeful,” Hyde said. We’ll see how he is tomorrow and hopefully we won’t have any setbacks.”
Notes: Infielder Jonathan Araúz was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and optioned to Norfolk. … Infielder Adam Hall was sent to Double-A Bowie. … Infielder Terrin Vavra returned from the paternity list after Friday’s birth of a baby daughter, Tatum. Carlin and Terrin Vavra’s daughter was 7 pounds, 12 ounces. Tatum was born in Wisconsin, and Vavra hopes the family can come to Baltimore in the near future.