Orioles promoting Heston Kjerstad from Bowie to Norfolk

The Orioles are promoting outfielder Heston Kjerstad, their 2020 first-round draft choice, from Double-A Bowie to Triple-A Norfolk, an industry source confirmed.

The news was first reported by MASNsports.com.

Kjerstad was hitting .310 for Bowie with 11 home runs and 23 RBIs and a .960 OPS.

The 24-year-old Kjerstad didn’t make his professional debut until June 2022, two years after he was drafted. He missed the 2021 season because of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. A hamstring injury delayed his 2022 season.

Kjerstad hit .463 at Single-A Delmarva with two home runs and 17 RBIs in 22 games, and .233 with three homers and 20 RBIs for High-A Aberdeen in 43 games.

After he was named the Most Valuable Player in the Arizona Fall League, Kjerstad was invited to major league spring training and made a favorable impression, staying until the final week of camp.

Kjerstad, who has been a rightfielder, started 15 games at first base for the Baysox, though recently executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias said he still considers him to be a better outfielder than a first baseman.

The Tides are off on Monday and play at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday.