Hays placed on IL with calf strain (updated)

The calf soreness that removed Austin Hays from Saturday night’s game in Kansas City has landed him on the 10-day injured list.

Hays was diagnosed with a left calf strain, with the IL move retroactive to yesterday. He’s 5-for-45 with two RBIs.

The at-bats have improved of late, with a hit in each of his last two games and some loud outs.

Manager Brandon Hyde kept Hays out of yesterday's lineup. Asked later about Hays' status, Hyde said, "We're going to kind of see how he is tomorrow."

Hays hasn't caught a break since reporting to camp. He had a stomach virus in spring training and was under the weather in Pittsburgh.

Catcher David Bañuelos had his contract selected again today from Triple-A Norfolk. He was on the taxi squad in Anaheim, where the Orioles are opening a three-game series.

The timing works again for Bañuelos, who had his contract selected Tuesday after the Orioles put starter Tyler Wells on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. Bañuelos received his first major league at-bat as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning and flied out, and he was designated for assignment the following day.

His stay on the major league roster could be brief again, but he’s a third catcher tonight with Adley Rutschman and James McCann in the lineup against left-hander Reid Detmers.

The Orioles designated outfielder Peyton Burdick for assignment to make room for Bañuelos on the 40-man roster. He was batting .182/.333/.455 with three doubles, four home runs and nine RBIs 16 games with Norfolk.

Burdick was DFA’d on Feb. 19 when the Orioles traded for pitcher Kaleb Ort.

An outfielder likely is headed to Anaheim to replace Hays. The question is whether the Orioles want a right-handed bat to replace Hays, which could return Ryan McKenna to the majors.

The Orioles are facing two left-handed starters in the series.

Heston Kjerstad is batting .349 with a 1.175 OPS, four doubles, 10 home runs and 30 RBIs in 21 games with Norfolk, but he hits from the left side.

McKenna is a plus defender, which also could give him an edge with Hays gone. He isn’t on the 40-man roster.

Update: Kjerstad is joining the team in Anaheim, per The Baltimore Sun.