Gunnar Henderson is set to make his return to the Baltimore Orioles lineup on Friday against the Kansas City Royals after recovering from a right intercostal strain that sidelined him at the start of the season. Manager Brandon Hyde confirmed that Henderson is "probable" for the series opener, as he was not activated for Thursday's game against the Boston Red Sox.

In 2024, Henderson had an impressive season, batting .281 with 37 home runs, 92 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases, finishing fourth in the American League MVP race. Despite his absence, the Orioles have maintained a potent offense, scoring eight or more runs in four of their first six games, although they were shut out by the Red Sox in their last outing.

Hitting for the cycle is a celebrated but somewhat quaint achievement in baseball, marked by a player securing a single, double, triple, and home run in a single game. However, it is not always the most valuable use of a player's at-bats. For instance, Aaron Judge's recent game featuring three home runs and a double totaled 14 bases, overshadowing the traditional cycle's 10 bases. A new metric, the Mighty Cycle, replaces the single with another extra-base hit, allowing players like Hank Aaron and Gunnar Henderson to join the ranks of those who have achieved this more daunting feat. Additionally, the article showcases unique cycle subcategories, such as the Hustler's Cycle, which requires an inside-the-park home run, and the Cycle of Icarus, where a player achieves a single, double, and home run but fails to stretch a double into a triple.

Elly De La Cruz's recent performance exemplifies the new age of baseball, as he achieved a Speed Cycle, stealing bases after hitting an infield single. This modern twist on the cycle indicates a shift towards speed and aggressive base running, showcasing how traditional metrics are evolving. The Vagabond's Cycle is another intriguing notion, where a player is ejected before completing their cycle after hitting a triple. Notable examples like Shawon Dunston's ejection speak to the complexities of baseball's rules and how they can impact a player's legacy.

Gunnar Henderson is making a strong return, having homered in consecutive games as he wraps up his rehab stint with the Norfolk Tides. Despite his efforts, the Tides fell short against the Charlotte Knights, losing 4-3 in their first road game of the season. Henderson's solo home run provided an early lead, but the Knights responded with a decisive three-run homer from Mike Tauchman in the fifth inning.

Henderson, who went 1-for-4 and raised his batting average to .313, aims to be activated from the injured list by the Baltimore Orioles shortly. The Tides are struggling in the International League's East Division, now sitting at the bottom with a 1-3 record, while the Knights remain undefeated at 4-0.

As the MLB season progresses, the Baltimore Orioles face lineup shifts due to Gunnar Henderson's intercostal injury, giving Jackson Holliday and Jorge Mateo opportunities at shortstop. Colton Cowser's thumb fracture opens a door for Heston Kjerstad, who will likely see regular playing time against right-handed pitchers. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox’s Triston Casas is expected to secure a full-time role despite a rocky start, while Wilyer Abreu impresses in his limited appearances.

The New York Yankees are experimenting with leadoff hitters, with both Austin Wells and Paul Goldschmidt having success. The Tampa Bay Rays' Curtis Mead showed promise on Opening Day but faced lineup uncertainty with injuries. The Toronto Blue Jays are giving Andres Gimenez an untraditional cleanup spot, and the Chicago White Sox are mixing up their leadoff approach with Miguel Vargas. The Cleveland Guardians’ Kyle Manzardo is thriving in the early season, further solidifying his role.