Does Heston Kjerstad have a future with the Orioles? / 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’m extremely disappointed with how the Orioles have handled Heston Kjerstad. He’s hit well at all minor league levels. When he was first called up, they only played him in spots, and he couldn’t get going. His second recall, he played more and hit well. All of a sudden, he stopped playing regularly and was sent down again. It looked as if he would take Austin Hays’ place, but that didn’t happen. Have the Orioles given up on him? If so, why do you think they have given up on him? From: Al Czyzewicz

Answer: Al, a similar question was asked by PaulJay. Kjerstad was sent down because the Orioles had to make room for two right-handed hitting outfield/designated hitters, Eloy Jiménez and Austin Slater, and they have a large number of left-handed hitters.

Unfortunately for Kjerstad, he hit just .111 (2-for-18) after he suffered a concussion when he was hit in the helmet by a pitch on July 12^th.

The Orioles haven’t given up on him, and he should be back up on September 1^st when they get to add an additional position player, if not before.

Question: Can you envision Adley Rutschman becoming a consistent 25+ homer hitter? From: Joseph Danna

Answer: Joseph, I can absolutely see that happening. Though Rutschman hasn’t yet hit 25 in a season, he has 17, and it’s not out of the question that he hits eight more this season. He did hit 20 last season, and I think as he plays more, his power numbers should go up.