How Orioles’ September call-up can capitalize on Luis Robert Jr.’s injury

The Baltimore Orioles are fading further away from the American League Wild Card race.

The AL East club is 4-6 in its last 10 games and needs a strong finish to overtake the Texas Rangers , Toronto Blue Jays , and Cleveland Guardians .

Losing outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to the injured list won't help. Robert appeared in just three games with the Orioles following his waiver claim from the New York Mets .

He landed on the injured list with a left hamstring strain. To take his place, the Orioles promoted outfielder Heston Kjerstad from Triple-A Norfolk.

The Athletic's Andy McCullough believes this could be a huge opportunity for Kjerstad, who had a 59 OPS+ in 54 games with the Orioles in 2025.

"Less than a week after Baltimore spent $5 million to claim him off waivers, Robert injured his hamstring. So it goes," McCullough wrote.

"That could mean more at-bats for Kjerstad, who has never put it all together since being chosen at No. 2 overall in 2020," McCullough added.

Kjerstad had solid offensive numbers in Triple-A, hitting .289/.337/.462 with 11 home runs and a .799 OPS in 79 games.

The 27-year-old may not be Baltimore's savior and lead the organization back to the postseason.

But he could make a lasting impression on the coaching staff and front office with a strong September. Robert's unfortunate injury paved the way for playing time for Kjerstad.