Baltimore Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson has four hits in five at-bats for Team USA.
Heading into the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Team USA and manager Mark DeRosa knew they would be faced with difficult lineup decisions. Not too unlike what Steve Kerr and USA Basketball faced in the Paris Olympics, this roster is filled with superstar players from top to bottom. This means not everyone can play, and certain stars will be left out of the starting lineup for certain games.
For Team USA, that roster crunch has primarily come in the infield. Chicago Cubs star Alex Bregman opened the tournament as the favorite to start at third base, Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. is the consensus best shortstop in baseball and will handle those duties, and Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang has had the inside track to that starting spot.
This left Baltimore Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson facing an uphill battle for playing time. With the ability to play different infield positions, Henderson did have a bit of an advantage over some of the options for Team USA, but he has at times found himself as the odd man out.
That changed on Tuesday when Team USA announced its lineup against Italy. With Witt at shortstop and Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement at second base, it was Bregman who was benched as Henderson took over at third base.
The move makes sense, as Bregman is hitting just .143 through three games while Henderson is 4-for-5 in his only action. And for Orioles fans, it is another opportunity to see their star infielder on the big stage.
Henderson was very impressive in his lone World Baseball Classic start, collecting four hits and two RBIs. Bregman has struggled to get going at the plate, collecting just one hit in his seven at-bats. As for the two second basemen, Turang is 4-for-10 with three doubles and four RBIs. He has also stolen two bases. Clement is one for three, but has walked twice and scored three runs.
It is important to note that Team USA can take a more balanced approach to its roster in these pool play games. DeRosa will likely tighten things a bit once the opponents get more challenging and the games have more meaning. For now, it makes sense to get different players at-bats and see who can be the best options at their respective positions going forward.
Another multi-hit day from Henderson could make it hard for his name to be taken off the starting lineup card.