Source: Orioles will recall Heston Kjerstad

Heston Kjerstad had quite a day with Triple-A Norfolk.

The right fielder was ejected this afternoon after being hit by pitches three times in three innings and told later that the Orioles were promoting him.

Kjerstad is expected to be recalled on Monday, according to an industry source. The Orioles are beginning their latest homestand with a three-game series against the Guardians.

This will be Kjerstad’s third stint in the majors and his second this season. He appeared in only seven games and went 2-for-14 with six strikeouts.

The Orioles optioned Kjerstad on May 13 to give him regular at-bats again with Norfolk. They recalled Kyle Stowers in a swap of left-handed hitting outfielders.

Stowers was optioned last week to make room for Nick Maton, who had his contract selected from Norfolk. An extra infielder was needed after Jordan Westburg sustained a bruised left hip in a collision with the Yankees’ Juan Soto.

Westburg had day-to-day status, with the possibility of a trip to the injured list, and Maton provided insurance in case of a roster move. Westburg is fine and homered again today in an 8-1 loss to the Astros that completed a three-game sweep.

Maton is out of options and could be designated for assignment to create a spot for Kjerstad, the Orioles' No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline.

Kjerstad is batting .301/.390/.601 with 14 doubles, a triple, 16 home runs and 58 RBIs in 55 games with Norfolk. MLB Pipeline ranks him as the No. 21 prospect in baseball.

Stowers can't be recalled because he hasn't been down for a minimum of 10 days. He could only return if replacing an injured player.

Lehigh Valley’s David Parkinson hit Kjerstad in the first inning and twice in a six-run third that included Billy Cook’s grand slam. Plate umpire Pete Talkington tossed Kjerstad.

The Baltimore Banner first reported that the Orioles will recall Kjerstad.

The team hasn’t announced or confirmed a roster move.