SARASOTA—Shortstop Gunnar Henderson is back from the World Baseball Classic, and though Team USA lost in the final to Venezuela, he had a great time.
“It was a great experience. Getting to develop a relationship with all those guys that have been in the game for a long time and have a lot of career experiences was really fun,” he said. “It means everything, super honored and blessed to be able to represent my country.”
Henderson played just his seventh Grapefruit League on Thursday against the New York Yankees in Tampa, and isn’t playing against them on Friday night. He’s hitting .200 (4-for-20).
Henderson wanted to play on Thursday against New York’s Max Fried, whom he’ll likely face several times during the season.
He said the excitement of the WBC games helped him get ready for the season.
“Being able to figure out my plans and having to execute them in a high-leverage situation, it just gives me confidence going into the year that those plans work, and I can have success with them,” Henderson said.
Henderson has played in the postseason twice, and thought the intensity of those games was on the same level as the tournament.
“The crowd, I felt like there were no silent moments in the game,” he said.
Fans at loanDepot Park were largely pro-Venezuela.
“It was really cool to see that side of baseball because I feel like they cheer a little differently when it’s your home country,” he said.
Henderson started three of the five games, and pinch-hit in the ninth inning of the final. He finished 6-for-15 with two home runs, including a game-tying homer in the semifinal against the Dominican Republic.
There was plenty of criticism when Team USA Mark DeRosa chose not to start him over Alex Bregman at third base. Bobby Witt Jr. was the starting shortstop.
“The competitor in me, yeah, I wish I could have gotten in there a little bit more,” Henderson said. “It wasn’t the way the cards came out. Hopefully, continue to push my case to play a little bit more.”
The next WBC isn’t until 2030, and Henderson would like another opportunity.
“It’s definitely a really cool experience,” Henderson said. “If all the circumstances end up right, I’d love to.”
Holliday rehab on track
Manager Craig Albernaz said second baseman Jackson Holliday, who is recovering from surgery to remove the hamate bone from his right wrist, is taking batting practice for the second straight day.
“He’s progressing great. He’s right where he needs to be,” Albernaz said. “We’re excited.”
It’s possible Holliday will begin a rehab stint with Triple-A Norfolk a week from now.
“We’re taking it day-by-day, but I think it’s realistically in the plans,” Albernaz said. “We want to do right by Jackson, how he’s feeling. We’re taking it a day at a time. He’s checked every box in his progression. I think that’s a realistic option.”
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