Orioles active rookie Heston Kjerstad suffers concussion IL a week after a 97 mph pitch hit his helmet

ARLINGTON, Texas — Baltimore Orioles rookie Heston Kjerstad was activated from the injured list Saturday with a seven-day concussion.

Kjerstad was hit in the helmet by a 97 mph pitch from New York Yankees’ Clay Holmes in the July 12 game between the AL East rivals, leaving both benches empty. The Orioles outfielder went on concussion IL the next day.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said before Saturday’s game at Texas in Kjerstad that he was feeling much better after batting practice on Friday. Hyde said he had been cleared by MLB and the Orioles’ medical team.

“He’s been through all the tests for a couple of days now and had a full day of training yesterday. I got him out here early today just to make sure, I did some physicals and hitting and he’s feeling really good,” Hyde said. “I’m glad to have him back in the lineup.”

Kjerstad was the fifth batter on Saturday night, playing right field. He has hit .314 with three homers and 12 RBIs in his first 21 games this season.

To make room on the active roster, the Orioles sent outfielder Kyle Stowers to Triple-A Norfolk. Stowers hit .306 with one home run and nine RBIs in 19 games.

“This is a good team problem. Kyle did everything we asked him to do,” Hyde said. “It’s just one of those numbers things right now, but Kyle’s going to have a chance at some point to be an everyday player in the Major Leagues, whether it’s with us or someone else.”

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