How Orioles' September call-up can capitalize on Luis Robert Jr.'s injury

How Orioles' September call-up can capitalize on Luis Robert Jr.'s injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Baltimore Orioles are fading further away from the American League Wild Card race. The AL East club is 4-6 in its last 10 games and needs a strong finish to overtake the Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cleveland Guardians. Losing outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to the injured list won't help. Robert appeared in just three games with the Orioles following his waiver claim from the New York Mets. He landed on the injured list with a left hamstring strain. To take his place, the Orioles promoted outfielder Heston Kjerstad from Triple-A Norfolk. The Athletic's Andy McCullough believes this could be a huge opportunity for Kjerstad, who had a 59 OPS+ in 54 games with the Orioles in 2025. "Less than a week after Baltimore spent $5 million to claim him off waivers, Robert injured his hamstring. So it goes," McCullough wrote. "That could mean more at-bats for Kjerstad, who has never put it all together since being chosen at No. 2 overall in 2020," McCullough added. MORE: How Reds' Sal Stewart has MLB history on his side for NL Rookie of the Year award Kjerstad had solid offensive numbers in Triple-A, hitting .289/.337/.462 with 11 home runs and a .799 OPS in 79 games. The 27-year-old may not be Baltimore's savior and lead the organization back to the postseason. But he could make a lasting impression on the coaching staff and front office with a strong September. Robert's unfortunate injury paved the way for playing time for Kjerstad. More MLB news: Jose Berrios 'extremely unlikely' to opt out of $48 million deal with Blue Jays