Heston Kjerstad Sitting Against Left-Hander
Heston Kjerstad is not in the starting lineup on Wednesday against Los Angeles Angels left-hander Tyler Anderson. Kjerstad made his 2024 debut for the O's on Tuesday against a right-hander and went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, so he'll head to the bench on Wednesday against a lefty that has been pitching well early this year. Colton Cowser is starting in left field and is batting eighth for the Orioles against Anderson. Kjerstad, the team's No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline, earned the promotion to Baltimore after hitting .349/.431/.744 with a 1.176 OPS, 10 home runs and 30 RBI in the first 21 games for Triple-A Norfolk. The 25-year-old should be rostered in mixed leagues, but don't be surprised if he continues to sit against lefties given Baltimore's stacked roster.
Source: MLB.com
Baltimore Orioles rookie outfielder Source: MLB.com
Heston Kjerstad Makes Early Exit On Saturday
Heston Kjerstad (elbow) was forced to exit early during Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Kjerstad was pulled out of the contest after getting hit in the elbow by a pitch from Hunter Greene in the first inning. The X-rays were negative and the team is calling the injury right elbow discomfort. For now, Kjerstad should be considered day-to-day, but the expectation is that he'll undergo further evaluation. Ramon Laureano took over on Saturday and figures to see more playing time if Kjerstad is forced to miss time.
Source: Matt Weyrich
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Source: Matt Weyrich
Heston Kjerstad Homers In Thursday's Win
Heston Kjerstad turned in a productive game in a 6-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday. Kjerstad went 1-for-2 with a two-run homer and a walk in the winning effort. The 26-year-old outfielder plated the final two runs of the game with a 400-foot two-run homer off Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee in the sixth inning. Kjerstad is now hitting .233 with two homers, eight runs, and 10 RBI across 43 at-bats in the first month of the season.
Source: MLB.com
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Source: MLB.com
Heston Kjerstad Due For More Action Against Righties
Heston Kjerstad is set for more playing time against right-handed pitchers in the absence of teammate Colton Cowser (thumb). Cowser recently fractured his thumb sliding for a base and is expected to miss six to eight weeks while he recovers. In the meantime, Kjerstad will slot in against righties while fellow outfielders Ramon Laureano and Dylan Carlson will get some run against lefties. Kjerstad -- a former first-round pick -- tore up minor league pitching at every stop since joining the organization in 2022 but hasn't been able to put it together in the majors just yet. He'll get an extended look with Cowser on the mend.
Source: Jacob Calvin Meyer
Per Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Source: Jacob Calvin Meyer
Heston Kjerstad A Front-Runner For Opening Day Roster Spot
Heston Kjerstad as a front-runner for an Opening Day roster spot this year. "He's has earned the right to get at-bats in the corner outfield and at designated hitter, especially against right-handed pitchers," Elias said. Anthony Santander left in free agency, but the O's added outfielders Tyler O'Neill, Dylan Carlson and Ramon Laureano and also have Cedric Mullins, Colton Cowser, and Ryan O'Hearn. Still, the 26-year-old Kjerstad should see plenty of playing time against right-handed pitchers, either in a corner outfield spot or at designated hitter. He has nothing left to prove in the minors. In the big leagues, he's struck out nearly 30% of the time but also has a 46.5% hard-hit rate. With more playing time, Kjerstad is certainly worth a bench spot for outfield depth in deep-mixed fantasy leagues.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias sees outfielder Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
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