Orioles promote Kjerstad to Aberdeen

The Orioles promoted outfielder Heston Kjerstad from Single-A Delmarva to High-A Aberdeen, the IronBirds announced Monday on their Twitter account.

Kjerstad, who was the overall No. 2 pick in the 2020 draft, made his professional debut last month and hit .463 with two home runs and 17 RBIs in 22 games with the Shorebirds.

The beginning of Kjerstad’s pro career was delayed by the pandemic in 2020, a case of myocarditis, an infection of the heart muscle, that wiped out his 2021 season, and a hamstring injury in March.

Orioles executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias didn’t say that the 23-year-old would move up a level when he met with the media last Saturday.

“His Delmarva debut has gone as well as it possibly could have gone. I don’t think we’re going to leave him there all year,” he said.

Kjerstad’s debut with Aberdeen is scheduled for Tuesday night when the IronBirds begin a six-game series with Jersey Shore.