In a corresponding move, the Orioles have optioned catcher David Bañuelos back to the minors. Bañuelos had been promoted on Monday, after the Orioles placed outfielder Cedric Mullins on the injured list with a strained calf.
Kjerstad, 25, was the No. 2 pick in the 2020 draft. In 21 games this season, he batted .349/.431/.744 with 10 home runs, 30 RBI, and a stolen base. His average exit velocity was 91.6 mph, and more than 51% of his batted ball cleared the 95 mph threshold.
Kjerstad made his big-league debut last season, appearing across 13 big-league games and posting a .233/.281/.467 slash line (105 OPS+) with two home runs and three RBI.
Kjerstad ranked just outside of CBS Sports’ top 50 this spring. The Orioles selected Kjerstad over the likes of Asa Lacy, Spencer Torkelson, and Austin Martin.
The most productive players from that round to date have been lefty Patrick Sandoval and, coincidentally, Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson. Detmers was the No. 10 pick while Westburg was not selected until No. 30.
In addition to Westburg, Kjerstad joins an Orioles roster that is loaded with talented young players. That group includes fellow top-10 selections Adley Rutschman (No. 1 in 2019), Grayson Rodriguez (No. 5 in 2021), and Jackson Holliday (No. 1 in 2022), as well as star shortstop Jorge Mateo, who was a second-round selection in 2019.
The Orioles, off to a 15-7 start this season, will continue their series against the Angels on Tuesday night.
