Orioles' top prospect homers in MLB debut
Gunnar Henderson was called up Tuesday
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Major League Baseball teams are giving their top prospects a chance this season, and it's been paying off.
The Baltimore Orioles called up their top prospect, Gunnar Henderson, to the big league club Tuesday night and plugged him into Wednesday's lineup against the Cleveland Guardians.
Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates hitting a solo home run off Triston McKenzie of the Cleveland Guardians for his first career hit during the fourth inning of his major league debut at Progressive Field Aug. 31, 2022, in Cleveland. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
He responded with his first homer in the big leagues.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In his second at-bat of the game (and his career), the 21-year-old infielder blasted a solo home run into right-center field, losing his helmet on the swing.
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Henderson is the ninth player this year to hit a home run in an MLB debut, and the 16th to hit a dinger for a first big league hit this season.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Triston McKenzie of the Cleveland Guardians for his first career hit during the fourth inning of his major league debut at Progressive Field Aug. 31, 2022 in Cleveland. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Henderson was the 42nd overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and played in the 2022 MLB Futures Game in Los Angeles this summer.
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In 65 games with Triple-A Norfolk this year, he slashed .288/.390/.504 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles hits a solo home run off Triston McKenzie of the Cleveland Guardians for his first career hit during the fourth inning of his major league debut at Progressive Field Aug. 31, 2022, in Cleveland. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
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The Orioles sit three games back for the final wild-card spot.