Kjerstad stays in Orioles lineup this afternoon against Yankees

Heston Kjerstad is in today’s lineup for the Orioles after being hit on the helmet last night by a 96.8 mph sinker from Clay Holmes. Kjerstad underwent testing for a concussion but is fine.

We’ll find out later whether there’s any carryover from the dugout-clearing incident. Manager Brandon Hyde and others, including bench coach Fredi González, had to be restrained. Hyde was ejected.

The Yankees lead the majors with 62 hit batters.

Holmes wasn’t trying to hit anyone. He had back-to-back poor outings against the Orioles in the Bronx, allowing four runs (three earned) in two innings. He wanted three outs last night, the save, and to get out of the rain. But there’s friction between these clubs and it boiled over.

“The movement wasn’t my normal sinker,” Holmes said afterward. “Just kind of pulled it.”

“It’s an emotional time,” Hyde said. “My guy just got hit right in the ear. I’m upset and then I see their dugout and they’re waving at me and yelling at me, so I just didn’t appreciate it at the time.”

Colton Cowser is in center field today. Ramón Urías is playing third base, with Jordan Westburg at second.

The Orioles have scored one run in the last 33 innings.

Grayson Rodriguez makes his 17^th start tonight and seeks his 12^th win. He has a 3.52 ERA and 1.215 WHIP in 94 2/3 innings.

Rodriguez has quality starts in his last three outings, allowing a combined five runs in 19 1/3 innings. He faced the Yankees on April 29 in Baltimore and shut them out for 5 2/3 innings.

Rodriguez has made two starts against the Yankees and tossed 12 scoreless innings.

The Orioles are seeing Luis Gil again. He blanked them over 6 1/3 innings, with only two hits allowed, on May 1 at Camden Yards. The rematch took place June 20 at Yankee Stadium and he allowed seven runs and eight hits in 1 1/3 innings.

For the Orioles

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

Grayson Rodriguez RHP