BALTIMORE—Outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who’s on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, is eligible to return, but he’s not close to playing.
Manager Craig Albernaz didn’t sound optimistic that O’Neill would return before the season ends on September 27th.
“It’s tough what he’s dealing with right now,” Albernaz said. “We’re trying to assess him each day. He’s going out there and working his tail off. I think he’s trying to move the bat here soon, and kind of go from there. It’s going to be a day-to-day thing with T.O. just because of the nature of the injury.”
O’Neill injured the shoulder making a diving catch on August 22nd.
Kjerstad gets a start
Heston Kjerstad, who was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, has been limited to two-pinch hit appearances. Kjerstad, who hit .289 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs and a .799 OPS in 79 games for the Tides, will start in right field on Saturday night against the Red Sox.
“The person’s awesome,” Albernaz said. “He’s beloved in the clubhouse, and during spring training, the bat is real. It was impressive to see him hit every single day, not only in the games, but also the work. It’s a real impact bat with some juice.
“What I like about him in spring training is the ability to hit the ball to all fields, take his hits the other way and then still keep the same power in what he’s gone through in a year-and-a half.
“It was a short glimpse during spring training, but he improved during spring training with the outfield play. We’re excited to get the bat here and just the person here as well.”
For many years, teams carried 25 players from Opening Day to September 1st and were able to carry as many as 40 players. Now, they carry 26 and are required to add two players for the rest of the season on September 1st.
“Now, you’ve got to be very strategic in who you call up, and to get Heston up here, it’s definitely a need for us.”
Orioles-Red Sox lineups
Orioles
Jackson Holliday-DH
Blaze Alexander-2B
Gunnar Henderson-SS
Pete Alonso-1B
Samuel Basallo-C
Heston Kjerstad-RF
Christian Encarnacion-Strand-3B
Dylan Beavers-LF
Colton Cowser-CF
Chris Bassitt-RHP
Red Sox
Roman Anthony-DH
Mickey Gasper-1B
Wilyer Abreu-RF
Trevor Story-SS
Nick Sogard-3B
Isiah Kiner-Falefa-2B
Jarren Duran-LF
Eli White-CF
Connor Wong-C
Sonny Gray-RHP
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