What are the Orioles’ plans for Heston Kjerstad? | MAILBAG

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.

Question: I feel sorry for Heston Kjerstad. He hits well at Norfolk but can’t get a promotion. I assume the reasons are that there’s no room at Camden Yards and that he is yet another left-handed hitter. Do you think the O’s have a plan for him? To bring him up soon or maybe trade him? He is 25 and deserves better than his current situation. From: John Newell, Annapolis

Answer: John, I think you’re correct. The Orioles called up Kyle Stowers and sent down Kjerstad because they want to play him regularly at Norfolk. He could be a trade chip for next month’s trade deadline or by next year, he could be playing regularly with the Orioles. Anthony Santander is a free agent, and it’s possible that there are other spots in the outfield if they move on from Cedric Mullins and/or Austin Hays. He would be playing regularly on many other clubs, but the Orioles don’t have room for all their good prospects just yet.

Question: Assuming he keeps producing and stays healthy, what are the chances Daniel Johnson gets the next shot at the outfield if Hays or Mullins don’t get going or if there’s an injury? He seems to have a slightly different skill set than Kjerstad or Stowers. From: Mike Webb

Answer: For those not familiar with Daniel Johnson, he’s an outfielder at Norfolk who’s played mostly center field while hitting well and with power. Mike, he does have a different skill set from Kjerstad or Stowers, but he’s another left-handed-hitting outfielder.

While I don’t think it’s likely that he’ll be called up anytime soon, multiple injuries to outfielders could change that outlook. He signed on a minor league contract and did play well in spring training, but the Orioles have a lot more invested in Kjerstad and Stowers, who were both higher draft choices than Johnson.