The Orioles announced that outfielder Heston Kjerstad He was placed on the seven-day disabled list due to a concussion-related injury. The one who plays outside Kyle Stowers was called up from Triple-A Norfolk to replace Kjerstad on the active roster.
The injury stems from a scary incident last night in the Orioles’ 4-1 loss to the Yankees, as Kjerstad was hit in the head by a ball. Clay Holmes fastball in the bottom of the ninth. Both benches cleared after HBP, which only adds to the tension between the two AL East rivals in this important series. Kjerstad left the game naturally after the concussion, and although he was initially included in today’s lineup, he had a long absence following the pre-match workout.
Since there was speculation that Kjerstad could return to the field today, it could mean that IL’s placement is conservative in nature. Because of the upcoming All-Star break, Kjerstad will only miss three games if he can return after seven days, and Baltimore also has an off day on July 22 if the club wants to give him a little bit of time to recover. the time. Given the fluid nature of head-related injuries, it’s also possible that Kjerstad could miss more than seven days if he does suffer a concussion.
Kjerstad made his MLB debut in 13 games in 2023, and the top prospect started this season in Triple-A before being returned to the Orioles’ roster for about three weeks of shutout in late April to mid-May. He had just 17 plate appearances in seven games in that first stretch, but has gotten plenty of playing time since his last recall on June 24, and has been forced into regular action for the O’s lineup. Kjerstad hit .378/.465/.676 with three homers in 43 plate appearances since June 24, seeing action as a DH and in both outfield positions and almost exclusively in right.
The lefty-hitting Stowers could fit right into Kjerstad’s role on paper, and like Kjerstad, Stowers is one of the frontrunners who has been looking for playing time in Baltimore’s crowded middle. Appearing in each of the past three MLB seasons, Stowers has hit .222/.269/.365 over 167 career PA, though those numbers are weighed down by a poor 33-PA performance in 2023. This year, Stowers has more respect. .286/.278/.486 slash line in 36 PA, and has continued to combine in Triple-A. Strikeouts are always a flaw in Stowers’ game, but they could give the O’s some power at least until Kjerstad returns.
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