Orioles news: Heston Kjerstad concussion, All Star update, losing streak woes

This was a rough week in Birdland. The Orioles struggled badly, getting swept by the Cubs and barely salvaging a lone victory against the Yankees on Sunday afternoon. The offense completely collapsed during the 5 game losing streak, scoring just 4 total runs between Tuesday and Saturday before mustering 6 on Sunday in a walk-off win.

The bad week puts the Orioles at 3-7 in their last 10 and has eliminated the gap they'd built between themselves and the Yankees in the fight for the AL East. They find themselves clinging to a 1-game lead in the division, with even the Red Sox emerging from nowhere and sitting 4.5 games out heading into the break.

Part of the problem of late has been the inability to hit with runners in scoring position. The O's went 1-31 with RISP between Tuesday and Saturday, an absolutely brutal mark that turned what could've been two potential wins into losses. Sunday wasn't much better, as the O's went 1-8 with RISP. However, Cedric Mullins drove in the winning runs with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, saving the Birds from being swept in consecutive series.

There's a bit of bad luck in this streak, for sure. But if the Orioles want to be competitive coming out of the All Star break, they'll need to figure out a way to get runs across the plate. They can't win if they don't score.

Anthony Santander heading to first All Star Game

Speaking of the All Star break, O's outfielder Anthony Santander was announced as an injury replacement for Astros' star Kyle Tucker.

Tucker has opted out of the event due to being on the IL with a shin issue. He's been out since June 7.

Santander's late addition gives the Orioles 5 total All Stars this year, one more than in 2023. His inclusion is well deserved - the O's right fielder has posted a .787 OPS with 24 homers and 57 RBI on the year. 2024 will mark Tony Taters' first career All Star appearance.

Heston Kjerstad placed on 7-day concussion IL

After getting ear-holed by Clay Holmes on Friday night, it looked like Heston Kjerstad was lined up to play the following afternoon. Kjerstad was initially included in Saturday's lineup card but was a late scratch.

He was subsequently placed on the 7-day concussion IL on Saturday night, with the O's recalling lefty Kyle Stowers to cover Kjerstad's absence.

As of this morning, it appears that Kjerstad won't require more than the minimum stay on the concussion IL. The Orioles have yet to release any additional information about him but with any luck, he'll be back in Baltimore next weekend.