GettyImages-1342887591.jpg

Outfielder Heston Kjerstad, the second-overall draft pick in 2020, finally is able to make his professional debut tonight at Single-A Delmarva – exactly two years after his selection from the University of Arkansas. He’s batting third and serving as the designated hitter.

Kjerstad, 23, was diagnosed with myocarditis after the draft and strained his left hamstring while chasing a line drive from Adley Rutschman in a March 11 intrasquad game in Sarasota. He’s been playing at extended spring training.

The initial prognosis had Kjerstad missing eight to 12 weeks.

The Orioles decided to let Kjerstad – the No. 9 prospect in the organization, according to MLBPipleline.com – skip the Florida Complex League, but he’s on a return-to-play progression with the Shorebirds. He’ll be removed from games in the middle innings per hamstring rehab protocol and standard practices.

Meanwhile, pitcher Cody Sedlock cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk, so he stays in the organization.

Rutschman is catching tonight and batting seventh in Kansas City, where the Orioles lost the opener of a four-game series.

Ramón Urías is the third baseman, with Tyler Nevin on the bench. Trey Mancini is starting at first base.

Left-hander Bruce Zimmermann has made 11 starts and posted a 4.87 ERA and 1.343 WHIP in 57 1/3 innings. He didn’t surrender a home run in his last start after allowing 12 in four games, but the Guardians reached him for five runs and 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings.

The Baltimore native held the Royals to two runs and five hits in six innings in the nightcap of a May 8 doubleheader. He’s never pitched in Kansas City.

Royals right-hander Jonathan Heasley is 0-3 with a 4.62 ERA and 1.697 WHIP in five starts. He’s walked 18 batters in 25 1/3 innings.

For the Orioles
Cedric Mullins CF
Trey Mancini 1B
Anthony Santander LF
Austin Hays RF
Ryan Mountcastle DH
Rougned Odor 2B
Adley Rutschman C
Ramón Urías 3B
Jorge Mateo SS

Bruce Zimmermann

For the Royals
Whit Merrifield 2B
Andrew Benintendi LF
Bobby Witt Jr. SS
Salvador Pérez C
MJ Melendez RF
Hunter Dozier DH
Carlos Santana 1B
Emmanuel Rivera 3B
Michael A. Taylor CF

Jonathan Heasley RHP