Orioles’ Hyde is trying to find playing time for Heston Kjerstad

BALTIMORE—Since Heston Kjerstad was called up to the Orioles from Triple-A Norfolk a week ago, the outfielder/designated hitter has had just five at-bats. He’s still looking for his first hit.

Kjerstad was added to the roster a day after Austin Hays went on the 10-day injured list with a strained left calf muscle.

Kjerstad was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on April 23^rd, and grounded out to second on Friday night. He’s not in the lineup for Tuesday night’s game against the New York Yankees.

“It’s kind of the way it’s gone,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “Kind of how our outfield mix is right now. I’m going to try to get him in there soon. Heston has been ready to pinch-hit or on deck a few times late in the game.”

Kjerstad was batting .349 with 10 home runs, 30 RBIs and a 1.175 OPS for Norfolk. He hit .233 with two home runs and three RBIs in 13 games with the Orioles last season.

“Love the power potential that he has. He can change the game with one swing,” Hyde said. “He can help us out off the bench in the games he’s not playing, but I’ve got a pretty good club right now so I’m trying to mix him in when I can.”