Kjerstad is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels.
The left-handed-hitting Kjerstad started versus a right-hander Tuesday in his first game following a promotion from Triple-A Norfolk, but he'll take a seat Wednesday against southpaw Tyler Anderson. Colton Cowser and Anthony Santander will handle the corner-outfield spots for the Orioles and Adley Rutschman will serve as the Orioles' designated hitter while Kjerstad and fellow lefty hitter Ryan O'Hearn head to the bench.
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Orioles' Heston Kjerstad: Promotion made official
Rotowire
The Orioles recalled Kjerstad from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday.
Kjerstad had gotten off to an unbelievable start at Norfolk this season, slashing .349/.431/.744 with 10 home runs over 21 contests. It could be tricky finding consistent playing time for Kjerstad given the Orioles' bevy of options, but the left-handed batter will certainly be in the mix for starts between designated hitter, the corner outfield spots and first base against right-handed pitching.
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Orioles' Heston Kjerstad: Set for Tuesday promotion
Rotowire
Kjerstad is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.
Kjerstad could have difficulty seeing consistent playing time on a talented Baltimore roster, but he figures to get chances in the DH slot as well as in the corner outfield spots when his name is listed on the lineup card. Kjerstad has been mashing with the Tides, slashing .349/.431/.744 with 10 home runs, 30 RBI, one stolen base and 25 runs in 86 at-bats.
Orioles' Heston Kjerstad: Plates 10 runs at Triple-A
Rotowire
Kjerstad went 5-for-7 with two home runs, two doubles, 10 RBI and two additional runs Wednesday in Triple-A Norfolk's 26-11 win over Charlotte.
The Norfolk roster features four of the top position prospects in baseball in Kjerstad, Jackson Holliday, Connor Norby and Coby Mayo, and the quartet lived up to its billing Wednesday in a rout of Charlotte. Kjerstad led the way with five hits and 10 RBI, but Holliday, Norby and Mayo combined for 11 hits and six RBI while No. 5 batter Kyle Stowers chipped in two home runs and seven RBI of his own. On the heels of his blistering performance at the dish, Kjerstad now owns a monstrous 1.785 OPS over five games for Norfolk on the season.
The Orioles optioned Kjerstad to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
Kjerstad struggled to a .580 OPS in 18 spring games, so it's not a surprise he missed out on Baltimore's Opening Day roster given the club's strong group of position players. The 25-year-old had an .869 OPS in 76 contests at Norfolk last season and should receive another look with the Orioles at some point in 2024.
Orioles' Heston Kjerstad: Struggling to begin spring
Rotowire
Kjerstad has gone 2-for-14 over his first five Grapefruit League games.
That's not a good sign for Kjerstad, who is in the midst of a tough battle for a roster spot. The Orioles' starting outfield is set with Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins and Anthony Santander, and while the team could carry two extra outfielders, Jorge Mateo includes outfield in his portfolio as a utility player. Kjerstad will need to get his bat going to separate himself from competition like Colton Cowser and Kyle Stowers.
