Baltimore Orioles star Gunnar Henderson gets his first day off of the season

BALTIMORE – Star reliever Gunnar Henderson gets a short break as the Baltimore Orioles begin a home series against two of the top teams in the National League East.

Henderson will not be in the lineup for Tuesday’s Orioles series opener against the Atlanta Braves at Camden Yards.

“He plays so well and plays so hard,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “He has had an amazing season so far. We’re giving it a little break at this stage we’re at. It felt like the right thing to do.”

Henderson played all eight games on the O’s recent trip, all on the field.

Hyde said Henderson could be used in an attacking role on Tuesday if needed.

“I want him to do nothing today,” Hyde said. “I want him to sit in that massage chair until about 8:30, and then maybe take a few swings and see if we need him coming on the bench.”

Henderson, last year’s American League Rookie of the Year, played in all 65 games this season.

He is hitting .274 with 21 home runs, 46 RBI and 55 runs scored.

The Orioles (43-22) enter Tuesday’s game 2.5 games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East.

After the series against Atlanta, they play a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Mateo is back

The Orioles have restored Jorge Mateo from the 7-day injured list due to a concussion. He started with a stop on Tuesday.

Connor Norby was given an option to return to Triple-A Norfolk.

Relief pitcher on the IL

The Orioles placed left-handed relief pitcher Danny Coloumbe on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation.

Coloumbe has a 2.42 ERA in 29 games.

Replacement pitcher Bryan Baker has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk.