DENVER — Outfielder Heston Kjerstad is on his way to Denver, where he is expected to join the Orioles roster as a September callup, a source with direct knowledge said.
Kjerstad is hitting .289 with a .799 on-base-plus-slugging percentage at Triple-A this year. Since July, the 27-year-old is batting .301 with an .889 OPS.
If and when Kjerstad appears in a game, it will mark his season debut. It has not been an easy path for the former first-rounder out of Arkansas. His professional development was delayed by a myocarditis diagnosis, and in 2024, he suffered a concussion when he was hit by a 97-mph fastball to the helmet.
Kjerstad also missed much of 2025, although the circumstances around that are murky. During spring training, Kjerstad declined to detail what he was dealing with at the time.
“[It] probably took me the first part of the offseason to kinda build back some strength and do some things like that to get back to where I wanted to be,” he said in February. “But right now, thankfully, in a great spot right now, full health, ready to roll.”
His numbers for Norfolk, especially over the last two months, have been strong. He could be especially valuable against right-handed pitchers.
The Orioles are also expecting the arrival of outfielder Luis Robert Jr. in the near future. Once Robert arrives, outfielder Christian Franklin is a possible candidate to be optioned.
The Orioles also have room to add one pitcher Tuesday, although that won’t be right-hander Félix Bautista. Manager Craig Albernaz said Bautista will require more rehab outings prior to returning to the majors.




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