Kjerstad back in Orioles' lineup and Stowers optioned

ARLINGTON, Texas – The Orioles reinstated outfielder Heston Kjerstad from the seven-day concussion list today and optioned outfielder Kyle Stowers to Triple-A Norfolk.

Kjerstad had a full workout yesterday and was cleared to play. He’s in right field tonight.

Stowers is 11-for-36 with four doubles and a home run in 19 games with the Orioles. He had one at-bat after replacing Kjerstad on the roster, and his single off Clay Holmes ignited Sunday’s ninth-inning rally against the Yankees that produced a walk-off win.

Anthony Santander is the designated hitter tonight. Ryan O’Hearn is playing first base and Ryan Mountcastle is on the bench.

Colton Cowser is in left field and Cedric Mullins is in center. Ramón Urías is playing third base, with Jordan Westburg at second.

Texas native Grayson Rodriguez is making his second career appearance in Arlington and first since his major league debut on April 5, 2023, when he allowed two runs in five innings. He faced the Rangers again that year on May 26, allowed eight earned runs (nine total) in 3 1/3 innings and was optioned.

Rodriguez had three consecutive quality starts this season until July 13 against the Yankees, when he surrendered six runs and eight hits in five innings. He gave up a season-high three home runs.

The Orioles are 4-1 against the Rangers this season and 8-2 at Globe Life Field during the regular season since the ballpark opened.

Max Scherzer has a 2.96 ERA and 0.988 WHIP in five starts. He faced the Orioles on June 28 and allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings. Cowser homered.

Scherzer is 7-3 with a 3.18 ERA and 1.029 WHIP in 15 career starts against the Orioles. Santander is 4-for-10 with a double and two home runs.

The Orioles are batting .258 in the seventh inning and later this season, which ranks second in the majors. The Rangers are 28^th at .218, per STATS.

For the Orioles

Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman C
Anthony Santander DH
Ryan O’Hearn 1B
Heston Kjerstad RF
Jordan Westburg 2B
Colton Cowser LF
Cedric Mullins CF
Ramón Urías 3B

Grayson Rodriguez RHP

For the Rangers

Marcus Semien 2B
Corey Seager SS
Josh Smith 3B
Wyatt Langford LF
Adolis García RF
Nathaniel Lowe 1B
Leody Taveras CF
Justin Foscue DH
Andrew Knizner C

Max Scherzer RHP