Hyde on Stowers: "He’s putting himself in great position to get a shot”

ARLINGTON, Texas – Kyle Stowers walked through the outfield early this afternoon, pausing to chat with a few teammates. He returned to the clubhouse, put on his street clothes, grabbed his backpack and headed out the door again.

Stowers was optioned for the second time this season, the predictable counter move to Heston Kjerstad’s reinstatement from the seven-day concussion injured list.

The Orioles recalled Stowers on May 13, optioned him June 19 and brought him back July 13 after Yankees closer Clay Holmes drilled Kjerstad on the ear flap and emptied both dugouts and bullpens.

The movement and roster construction have limited Stowers to 37 plate appearances with the Orioles. He’s 11-for-36, including a pinch-hit single off Holmes Sunday that fueled a three-run rally and walk-off win.

That’s the only at-bat for Stowers during his return to the majors. He was a defensive replacement last night.

The Orioles can’t fit Stowers on the same roster with Kjerstad and Colton Cowser, also left-handed hitting outfielders with power.

Kjerstad is in right field tonight. Stowers is en route to Triple-A Norfolk.

“This is good team problems,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “Kyle’s done everything asked. He’s putting himself in position to be a major league outfielder the way he’s swinging the bat in Triple-A, the production. He helped us win the game the other day when he led off the ninth with a single there. Really impressed by Kyle this year. I know it’s just a short amount of time, but I like the adjustments he’s made with his swing. He’s gotten way better defensively, and we’re really comfortable putting him out there.

“Just one of those numbers things right now, but Kyle’s going to get a chance to be an everyday major league player at some point, either with us or somebody else. Who knows? You never know what this game’s going to bring. But he’s putting himself in great position to get a shot.”

Kjerstad worked out yesterday and was reinstated on his first day of eligibility. The Orioles put him on the IL after scratching him from last Saturday's lineup.

“He took batting practice yesterday, felt a lot better,” Hyde said. “He’s passed every single test now for a few days. Had him out here early today just to make sure. Did some physical activity, hit, and he feels really good. So he’s cleared by MLB, our medical team and we’re excited to have him back in the lineup.”

The Orioles are off Monday and Albert Suárez starts Tuesday in Miami. The next two spots are TBD.

They can stay with a four-man rotation after optioning rookie Cade Povich. Corbin Burnes would be on normal rest Wednesday and Grayson Rodriguez on Thursday.

Left-hander Cole Irvin remains in the bullpen and is available tonight.