Orioles reinstate Henderson from IL

The Baltimore Orioles are getting back one of their best players after reinstating shortstop Gunnar Henderson from the injured list Friday.

He is expected to lead off and start at short Friday against the Kansas City Royals, according to MLB.com's Jake Rill.

Henderson, who finished fourth in AL MVP voting a year ago, began the season on the IL with a right intercostal strain that prevented him from appearing in all but three spring training games.

The 23-year-old performed well for Triple-A Norfolk during five rehab contests, hitting two home runs with four RBIs and an .879 OPS.

Henderson should provide the Orioles with a significant offensive upgrade at shortstop over Jorge Mateo, who's failed to register a hit this season.