When will Heston Kjerstad get called up by Orioles? | MAILBAG

Question: With the O’s offense so bad all season, why aren’t they giving Heston Kjerstad a chance this year? From: Dave Gruber

Answer: Dave, several readers have commented about Kjerstad’s absence, including Don Fazio and Rick Bobzien of Beaverton, Oregon.

I’m surprised the Orioles haven’t called him up, yet, but I think that time is coming soon.

They already have two left-handed hitting outfielders, Dylan Beavers and Colton Cowser, plus Leody Taveras, who’s a switch-hitter. Kjerstad’s defense hasn’t been his strength, and when he returns, Samuel Basallo may be the designated hitter on occasion when not catching.

Even with all those issues, I think it’s time for Kjerstad to get another chance, and it should be soon.

Question: The Tyler Wells trade baffles me.  He was under team control for another year and it does not look like the Orioles received equal value in return.  Am I missing something? From: Steve —48 year season ticket holder

Answer: Steve, I didn’t like trading away Tyler Wells, either. If we had a “Good Guy” award like a lot of other cities do, Wells might have been the winner by acclamation. He’s a terrific person who’s never ducked an interview.

His subtraction weakened an already inexperienced bullpen, and it hurt the club’s chances for a better record.

However, from a baseball standpoint, it might not be a bad trade. Wells will be 32 this month, and with one season before free agency after this one, it was unlikely that he was going to be with the Orioles for the long term.

Michael Forret, whom they reacquired from Tampa Bay, is the No. 6-rated prospect in the organization. Forret’s at Triple-A Norfolk, and it’s possible that he could pitch with the Orioles before the end of the season.

I wait to judge trades involving prospects for two or three years, and we’ll see how well Forret does.

As for Wells, I hope he gets to pitch in meaningful games in October for Tampa Bay. He deserves that opportunity.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.