The Baltimore Orioles desperately needed good news regarding All-Star shortstop Gunnar Henderson. Luckily, the All-Star shortstop is more than happy to comply.

Henderson told reporters Saturday he’s making progress in returning from a mild right intercostal strain.

The 2023 AL Rookie of the Year hurt himself on Feb. 27 and only recently returned to baseball activities.

Henderson made it clear he intends to suit up for Opening Day. The Orioles start their season against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 27. “That’s my plan,” Henderson said on Saturday morning.

“I’m on the right track, progressing,” Henderson added, according to the Orioles’ official website.

“It’s getting there. It’s a lot better than what it originally felt like.” Henderson hit .281 with 37 home runs, 92 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and an incredible 9.1 bWAR last year.

He finished fourth in AL MVP voting and led the Orioles to their second straight playoff berth.

The Orioles are already without starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (right triceps/back of elbow) and reliever Andrew Kittredge (left knee).

Rodriguez is out indefinitely, and Kittredge should return sometime this summer. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he’s “hopeful” Henderson can start the season on time.

“It’s just going to depend on how many at-bats he can get, how this thing reacts after a game, soreness, all that kind of stuff,” Hyde acknowledged.

Henderson said he hopes to play before Opening Day. The Orioles are in Florida another week before a March 24 exhibition against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park.