Baltimore Orioles rookie Heston Kjerstad was placed on the seven-day concussion injured list on Saturday, a day after he was hit in the head by a pitch against the New York Yankees.
Kjerstad was originally set to play on Saturday, but Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner reported that Kjerstad had been scratched from the lineup due to not “feeling 100 percent during pregame work.”
Hjerstand left Friday night’s game in the ninth inning after getting hit in the head by a pitch from Yankees closer Clay Holmes.
The fastball registered at 97 miles per hour and the aftermath saw the benches clear.
The incident occurred during the ninth inning and Kjerstad faced an 0-2 count. Holmes would remain in the game and would shut the door, leading to a 4-1 victory for New York.
While the game situation and the rainy conditions make the plunking appear like a true coincidence, it is a trend that has been frequent when the Yankees and Orioles face off this season.
10 Orioles have been hit by Yankee pitchers in 2024, while Baltimore has only hit three Yankee batters.
The two teams are in a heated battle for first place in the AL East.
Baltimore currently holds a one-game lead over New York for that spot, but every game going forward could have implications on who takes home the coveted division crown.
As Baltimore looks to avenge Friday’s loss, it will also hope Kjerstad’s recovery is swift.
The 25-year-old is hitting .314/.417./529 in 21 games in 2024.
