Baltimore Orioles rookie Heston Kjerstad returned to action on Saturday after being cleared from the seven-day concussion injured list.
Kjerstad was struck in the helmet by a 97 mph pitch from New York Yankees’ Clay Holmes during a game on July 12, prompting both teams to clear their benches. The Orioles outfielder was placed on the concussion-injured list the next day.
Manager Brandon Hyde mentioned before Saturday’s game in Texas that Kjerstad showed significant improvement after participating in batting practice on Friday. MLB and the Orioles medical team cleared him to return.
“He’s passed every test over the past few days and had a full workout yesterday. We had him out early today for some physical activity and batting practice, and he feels really good,” Hyde said. “We’re excited to have him back in the lineup.”
Kjerstad returned as the fifth batter and played right field on Saturday night. He had a strong start to his season, hitting .314 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in his first 21 games.
To accommodate Kjerstad’s return, the Orioles optioned outfielder Kyle Stowers to Triple-A Norfolk. Stowers had been hitting .306 with one home run and nine RBIs in 19 games.
“This is a good problem to have. Kyle did everything we asked of him,” Hyde noted. “It’s just a matter of numbers right now, but Kyle will have the opportunity to become an everyday player in the majors at some point, whether with us or another team.”
