Orioles outfielder placed on IL after scary Yankees incident

The Baltimore Orioles announced Saturday that they have placed outfielder Heston Kjerstad on the seven-day injured list due to a concussion, one day after he was hit in the helmet by a pitch.

The Orioles initially named Kjerstad as the starter for Saturday’s game against the New York Yankees, but then released a revised roster without him. Baltimore recalled outfielder Kyle Stowers from Triple-A Norfolk. Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner reports that Kjerstad was left out of the lineup because he “didn’t feel 100 percent comfortable during the pregame preparation.”

Kjerstad was hit in the earlobe by a 97 mph fastball from New York’s Clay Holmes in the ninth inning on Friday night. The benches cleared shortly afterward. The Orioles eventually lost 4-1 to the Yankees.

On one out, Holmes’ throw hit Kjerstad in the earlobe. After a delay, Kjerstad was able to get up, but left the game. Then the situation escalated when Orioles manager Brandon Hyde walked toward the New York dugout and pointed his finger at him. Yankees catcher Austin Wells tried to hold Hyde back, but the benches and bullpens emptied. Hyde was ejected.

Orioles captain Brandon Hyde explains dismissal

After Holmes hit Kjerstad, a scrum quickly developed near home base, with Hyde angrily charging toward the Yankees’ bench before being quickly caught up. After the game, Hyde explained what was going through his mind when he nearly incited a riot between the two teams in the first game of their three-game series.

“It’s an emotional moment. I have my husband who just got hit right in the ear. I’m upset and then I see their shelter. They’re waving at me and yelling at me, so I just didn’t appreciate it at the time.”

While the game situation and rain make the collision seem like a real coincidence, it’s an occurrence that’s been fairly common this season when the Yankees and Orioles face off. In 2024, 10 Orioles have been hit by Yankee pitchers, while Baltimore has hit three Yankee batters.

With both teams struggling in the battle for the American League East crown, it’s understandable that tensions are boiling over, especially just before the MLB All-Star break. The Orioles currently lead the division but are only one game ahead of the Yankees despite New York’s nosedive last month.

Of course, Baltimore had its problems too, going just 8-12 in their last 20 games. The Orioles had a chance to pull away from the Bronx Bombers, but unfortunately were unable to capitalize on New York’s problems when the summer months arrived.

As the Orioles look to avenge Friday’s loss, they also hope Kjerstad makes a quick recovery. The 25-year-old has a batting average of .314/.417/.529 in 21 games in 2024.