The Baltimore Orioles have just stunned the internet by dropping their lineup for today’s game against the Boston Red Sox. The absence of a much-awaited name in the lineup has sent waves of disappointment among fans. The excitement of the game turned into frustration in no time. Netizens had only one question in mind: Where is he? And the question is valid. After all, we aren’t talking about just any player; it’s a star who ranks undoubtedly as one of the most elite players.

23-year-old Gunnar Henderson, despite being fully recovered, has been left out of the lineup for Thursday’s game. According to manager Brandon Hyde, he will “probably” be the series opener against the Kansas City Royals on Friday, 4th April, 2025. The Orioles will take the field with Cedric Mullins leading off in center, followed by Adley Rutschman behind the plate. The infield has Jordan Westburg at second, Ryan O’Hearn at first, and Jackson Holliday at shortstop.

On the other hand, Tyler O’Neill is in the designated hitter role. Heston Kjerstad will start on the right, Ramón Urías at third, and Dylan Carlson on the left. Charlie Morton, the veteran pitcher, gets the start on the mound. But without Henderson? The lineup sure feels incomplete. Even Hyde admitted, “I think everybody’s looking forward to having Gunnar back on the team.” Hopefully, we will see him back in the next game against the Royals.

In 2023, Henderson won the American League Rookie of the Year and he even had a remarkable ’24 season. He became a first-time All-Star and finished fourth in AL MVP voting after hitting .281 with 31 doubles, seven triples, 37 home runs, and 92 RBIs in a team-high 159 games.

If there is any other lineup announcement from the Orioles that doesn’t include Henderson, the fans’ demand for answers will just get louder.

Orioles fans erupt in frustration with Henderson’s absence

As soon as the Orioles announced the lineup, it didn’t take long for fans to notice Henderson’s absence. The internet immediately blew up with concerns, frustration, and outright disappointment. Several curiosities were raised with the team’s decision making and others were simply disappointed.

That one reaction that sums up everyone’s feelings collectively is, “There’s something wrong with this lineup.” His absence has clearly left everybody confused. The outcry is real and it will only stop once we see Henderson back on the field.

One fan voiced his concern, saying, “Where is Gunnar? Is he safe? Is he alright?, Well, his absence, despite being recovered, just raises the curiosity about his whereabouts.

One fan in pure disbelief commented, “Where is Gunnar? I’m going to cry.” Henderson has been a key piece of the Orioles and fans were eagerly waiting to see him back on the mound. But unfortunately, that clearly didn’t happen. The disappointment turned into sadness in no time.

Another fan, fully stunned, commented, “Ahh😱 Gunnar isn’t playing with the Orioles lineup again.”  The word “again” says it all. Doesn’t it? It’s like everybody was 100% sure about his return. Many expected him in the lineup, only to be met with yet another game in his absence.

Fans passionately plead for answers; one commented, “WHERE IS MY GUN BUN.” Doesn’t it perfectly highlight how beloved Henderson is among fans?

Well, it’s certain that the lineup announcement didn’t excite the fans at all. Instead, it just left them with pure disappointment.