Kjerstad has exciting 2 days — fatherhood, joining Orioles; Robert, De León embrace new chances

DENVER—It’s been an exciting past two days for Heston Kjerstad. The Orioles recalled the outfielder/designated hitter from Triple-A Norfolk, and he became a father on Monday. His wife, Klaire, gave birth to a son, Krue, and she encouraged him not to pass up the opportunity he’s been waiting for all year.

“It’s definitely probably the hardest I’ve had to leave to go back to play baseball,” he said. “But that’s part of life. We’ve all got to work and provide for our family.” ‘

Neither Kjerstad nor outfielder Luis Robert Jr. is in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Rockies. Manager Craig Albernaz said that Kjerstad has improved defensively and won’t be restricted to DH duties.

“Impact bat, he’s improved defensively in the corners,” Albernaz said. “It allows us to match up and get some guys rest. We’re at the point of the season where everyone is banged up.”

Kjerstad is excited about playing meaningful games, with the Orioles moving to within a half-game of the final wild-card spot with Monday’s 2-1 win.

“September baseball is the best out there, so looking forward to it,” Kjerstad said.

Kjerstad missed the first six weeks of the season with a right hamstring injury.

“Now that I’m back, it doesn’t feel it was that long,” he said. “When you’re not in the big leagues, that’s the only place you want to be, and that’s all you work for. I’ll enjoy every moment of it, and I look forward to helping the team win games.”

Robert eager for new start

Robert was claimed off waivers from the New York Mets on Monday, and he’s happy to join a playoff contender.

“Weird emotions,” he said through a team translator. “I’ve never changed teams in this way, but at the same time, excited, trying to do whatever I can to help the team win.”

Robert played just 58 games for the Mets this season because of a back injury, and he says he’s healthy. Last month, the 29-year-old hit .267 with six home runs, 11 RBIs and an .841 OPS.

“Health is the biggest thing that’s kept me off the field for quite some time at different points of my career,” he said. “Feeling good right now, being able to stay on the field, and I think that’s what’s led to that.”

Robert had been exclusively a centerfielder until last month when he played seven games in left, something that makes him appealing to the Orioles. He’ll play some center and with the large left field at Camden Yards, he’ll be, in effect, a second centerfielder, Albernaz said.

“We have some options, which is awesome,” he said.

Robert is eager for possible postseason play.

“You always play for that from the moment you arrive in spring training,” Robert said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t happen with the Mets, but I’m excited to have this opportunity here and to try to do it with this team.”

De León gets a surprise

Left-hander Luis De León was relaxing in his apartment on Monday night, watching Netflix, and had left his phone in another room. His roommate excitedly told him he’d missed a series of messages.

“’Dude, they’ve been calling you,’” he said through a team translator. “Sure enough, I finally went to my phone and called back, and that’s how I found out.”

The 23-year-old De León is the Orioles’ No. 7 prospect, and he’d recently been sent to the bullpen.

“Ever since I started playing baseball, this is something I’ve dreamed of. The way I started this year, I wasn’t sure it was going to happen, but to be here now, it’s incredible, and I’m truly thankful and really happy.”

Albernaz said he’s not going to put De León in a tricky spot for his first major league relief appearance. He’s had three relief outings at Norfolk.

“We’re going to be very smart with LDL,” Albernaz said. “We’re not going to ambush him and throw him into the fire right away.”

De León feels at ease pitching in the bullpen.

“It was a surprise. It was quick,” De León said. “The team told me that they needed my help out in the bullpen. Sure enough, I got to work and I feel really good right now.”

Orioles-Rockies lineups:

Orioles

Jackson Holliday-2B

Pete Alonso-DH

Gunnar Henderson-SS

Christian Encarnacion-Strand-3B

Dylan Beavers-LF

Samuel Basallo-1B

Leody Taveras-RF

Colton Cowser-CF

Carlos Narváez-C

Kyle Bradish-RHP

Rockies

Jake McCarthy-LF

Mickey Moniak-RF

Hunter Goodman-C

TJ Rumfield-1B

Cole Carrigg-SS

Connor Norby-3B

Brett Sullivan-C

Adael Amador-2B

Zac Veen-LF

Gabriel Hughes-RHP

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