Heston Kjerstad Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Yankees vs Orioles game on Feb 20, 2026 with our Major League Baseball injury report.Oct 7, 2023
Receives spot on ALDS roster
Kjerstad is on the Orioles' roster for their ALDS matchup against the Rangers, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Kjerstad slashed .233/.281/.467 with two homers and three RBI after being promoted from Triple-A Norfolk in mid-September -- enough to secure himself a spot on the playoff roster. The 24-year-old rookie will likely serve as bench depth as Baltimore may choose to send out their experienced veterans more often for the postseason.
Sep 23, 2023
Takes seat Saturday
Kjerstad isn't in the Orioles' lineup Saturday versus the Guardians, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Kjerstad will get a breather Saturday after starting his major-league career 5-for-21 with two homers across his first eight games. Adley Rutschman will operate as Baltimore's designated hitter instead while James McCann starts behind the plate.
Sep 21, 2023
Taking seat Thursday
Kjerstad is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest in Cleveland.
ANALYSIS
Kjerstad had started each of the previous three games at designated hitter, but he will begin this one on the bench. Anthony Santader will be at DH on Thursday while Aaron Hicks gets a start in right field.
Sep 20, 2023
Clubs second homer
Kjerstad went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 9-5 win over the Astros.
ANALYSIS
Kjerstad padded the Orioles' lead in the seventh inning with his second homer in five games since he was called up. He's gone 4-for-13 with five strikeouts. The 24-year-old has made all three of his starts at designated hitter, though he can also be an option at first base and in the corner outfield in a pinch. For now, it appears the Orioles are focused on letting him hit in a part-time role versus right-handed pitchers.
Sep 17, 2023
Not in lineup Sunday
Kjerstad is on the bench again Sunday against the Rays.
ANALYSIS
Kjerstad has drawn only one start since being promoted Thursday from Triple-A Norfolk. Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins and Anthony Santander will start across the outfield Sunday with Adley Rutschman serving as the Orioles' designated hitter.
Sep 16, 2023
Not in starting nine
Kjerstad will be on the bench for Saturday's game against the Rays, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Kjerstad's role down the stretch may take some time to figure out. He was limited to a pinch-hit appearance in his MLB debut Thursday, then started at designated hitter and homered Friday, only to retreat to the bench the following day. Kjerstad's first off day came against a lefty, which hinted at a possible platoon role, but his off day Saturday comes against righty Tyler Glasnow. Anthony Santander will serve as the DH on Saturday, with Aaron Hicks entering the lineup in right field.
Sep 16, 2023
Tallies first big-league homer
Kjerstad went 1-for-2 with a solo home run Friday against the Rays.
ANALYSIS
Kjerstad drew his first big-league start Friday. He struck out in his first plate appearance before leading off the sixth frame with his first career home run. Kjerstad was pinch-hit for with a lefty on the mound in his next plate appearance, another indication his playing time may be limited after he was also out of the lineup Thursday upon being called up to the majors.
Sep 15, 2023
Gets first MLB start
Kjerstad will serve as the designated hitter and bat seventh Friday against the Rays.
ANALYSIS
Kjerstad made his major-league debut off the bench in Thursday's series opener versus Tampa Bay and will now get his first big-league start. Prior to being promoted to Baltimore, the 24-year-old had slashed .303/.376/.528 with 21 home runs in 122 games this summer between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk.
Sep 15, 2023
Pinch-hit appearance in MLB debut
Kjerstad went 0-for-1 with a strikeout in Thursday's 4-3 loss against the Rays.
ANALYSIS
Kjerstad made his major-league debut Thursday, coming in as a pinch hitter and striking out in his lone plate appearance. The 24-year-old top prospect was thrown right into a big spot, entering in the eighth inning with the Orioles trailing by one. Despite the underwhelming debut, Kjerstad is expected to be a significant part of Baltimore's young core for the foreseeable future.
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