The Baltimore Orioles received a major boost as manager Brandon Hyde confirmed the return of two top players to the active roster. Outfielder Heston Kjerstad and right-handed reliever Jacob Webb were both activated from the injured list ahead of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Tigers.
In corresponding roster moves, left-handed pitcher Cole Irvin and infielder Nick Maton were designated for assignment.
Kjerstad, 25, the Orioles’ No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft, made his return to the lineup as the designated hitter, batting fourth. Before his injury, Kjerstad had posted a .261 batting average with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 28 games. He had been sidelined since August due to a concussion after being hit by a pitch in July. In his rehab assignments with Single-A Aberdeen and Double-A Bowie, he impressed with a .333 average, adding a double, three RBIs, and three walks.
Meanwhile, 31-year-old Jacob Webb returns to the bullpen after recovering from right elbow inflammation that kept him on the injured list for over a month. Webb, who has a 3.08 ERA in 53 relief appearances this season, showed strong form during his rehab stint, tossing three straight scoreless outings at Triple-A Norfolk.
Cole Irvin, 30, who has pitched in 25 games (16 starts) this season with a 6-5 record and a 4.85 ERA, was designated for assignment alongside infielder Nick Maton, who went hitless in his five games with the Orioles.
With Kjerstad and Webb back in the lineup, the Orioles will look to maintain their momentum as they push toward the postseason.
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