Per Andy Kostka, Baltimore Orioles beat writer for The Baltimore Banner, the Orioles have decided to call up the former second overall pick of the 2020 MLB Draft Heston Kjerstad.
With only 17 games remaining, the Orioles are gearing up for what they hope will be an extended postseason run. The team has a 91-54 record and currently sits atop the American League East Division with a two-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Orioles have been arguably the biggest surprise in baseball this season. Their ascension to American League supremacy and emerging as a true World Series contender has taken the MLB by storm, but now they’re looking to prove this run they’re on is not a fluke.
Since being drafted in 2020, Kjerstad has spent time in the Orioles’ minor-league farm system. He has impressed for the Norfolk Tides, the Triple-A affiliate of the Orioles. Through 76 games, Kjerstad has posted a .298 batting average to go along with 10 home runs and 32 runs batted in.
Not only will Kjerstad provide additional offensive firepower with his bat, but he will also give the Orioles more defensive versatility as a player who can play multiple positions. Kjerstad can play on both sides of the outfield as well as first base if needed.
The Orioles are set to begin a crucial four-game series with the Rays today with the divisional crown on the line. It remains to be seen if Kjerstad will be a part of the lineup in this series.
