The Baltimore Orioles announced two roster moves on Wednesday that will shape the team’s short‑term depth. Rookie catcher Samuel Basallo was placed on the seven‑day injured list (IL) after sustaining a concussion during the team’s 4‑3 home win over the Toronto Blue Jays. The move is retroactive to Tuesday, and the club recalled outfielder Heston Kjerstad from Triple‑A Norfolk to fill Basallo’s spot on the 28‑man active roster.
Basallo’s concussion and season stats
Basallo, 22, was struck in the fifth inning by a foul tip that bounced off his catcher’s mask. He remained in the game until the seventh inning before exiting. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said concussions can be “finicky,” noting that Basallo’s symptoms appeared later that night. “It’s a quote‑unquote not a severe concussion,” Albernaz explained, adding that Basallo passed the team’s medical tests but missed a few assessment boxes.
Despite the setback, Basallo has posted a .222 batting average with 18 home runs and 54 RBIs in 112 games this season. He previously spent time on the IL from July 20 to Aug. 19 for right‑shoulder inflammation. Albernaz praised Basallo’s work ethic, calling him a “smart kid” who has shown significant growth behind the scenes.
Hjerstad’s promotion
To replace Basallo, the Orioles promoted 27‑year‑old outfielder Heston Kjerstad. In his limited 11‑game stint with Baltimore this year, Kjerstad has gone 4‑for‑19, batting .211. He spent most of the season with Norfolk, where he hit .289 with 11 homers and 44 RBIs in 79 games. The Orioles originally selected Kjerstad second overall in the 2020 draft out of the University of Arkansas.
Jackson Holliday’s wrist surgery
In a separate injury update, infielder Jackson Holliday will undergo surgery next week on a partially torn triangular fibrocartilage complex in his left wrist. Holliday last appeared on Sept. 14, going 2‑for‑4 with a run scored in a 2‑1 victory over the New York Mets. He was placed on the 10‑day IL retroactive to Sept. 15.
Holliday, the 2022 first‑overall draft pick, described the injury as a “partial tear,” noting that the ligament is not completely torn. He expressed optimism that the procedure will clean up the damage and allow him to return to full health.
The expected recovery timeline is about ten weeks, meaning Holliday should be ready for spring training next year. Albernaz emphasized the importance of a healthy offseason for a young player, adding that early identification and treatment will give Holliday a better chance to prepare for the next season.
Season performance recap
Holliday has posted a .229 average with seven home runs, 30 RBIs and 12 doubles in 98 games this season. In his first full major‑league campaign last year, he hit .242 with 17 homers, 21 doubles and 55 RBIs over 149 games. He previously missed the start of the 2026 season after a broken hamate bone in his right hand required surgery.
Both injuries underscore the challenges Baltimore faces as it pushes for a playoff berth. The Orioles remain confident that the depth players stepping in will keep the club competitive while the injured youngsters recover.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
