Outfielder Heston Kjerstad is beginning his injury rehab assignment tonight at Double-A Chesapeake.

Kjerstad strained his hamstring while running to first base in a late-spring exhibition game. He was shut down for an extended period before beginning his progression. He was hitting, running and throwing.

The former first-round draft pick, second overall in 2020, had a Grade 1 strain. His last appearance for the Baysox came on a rehab assignment in 2024.

Kjerstad is teammates again with Jackson Holliday, who began his rehab assignment this week. Holliday is taking his work day at Camden Yards this afternoon before returning to the Baysox. He’s expected to rejoin Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday in Charlotte.

The likely outcome for Kjerstad is that he’s reinstated from the injured list and optioned to Norfolk to get more at-bats and wait for a roster spot to open.

Chesapeake and Altoona continue the six-game series on tonight with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Infielder Blaze Alexander said his right calf is much better after the Orioles scratched him from last night’s lineup due to some tightness. He’s available tonight.

Infielder José Barrero is on the taxi squad as a precaution. Barrero is batting .243/.367/.478 with four doubles, a triple, seven home runs and 16 RBIs in 35 games with Norfolk.

The Orioles are taking early infield practice. Alexander is working out at third base with Coby Mayo.

Mayo is starting at third today.

Kyle Bradish became the first Orioles pitcher last night to toss seven-plus innings, strike out 10 or more and suffer the loss since Dylan Bundy on April 9, 2018 against the Blue Jays.

Pete Alonso is batting .333 (11-for-33) during a nine-game hitting streak, with four doubles, four home runs, 10 RBIs and 11 runs scored.

The Orioles have lost seven of their last nine games to fall into a last-place tie with the Red Sox at 17-22.

Right-hander Shane Baz has a 4.99 ERA and 1.538 WHIP in seven starts. He’s trying for his first quality start today after twice allowing one run in 5 2/3 innings and surrendering four in six and 6 1/3 innings.

Baz has faced the Athletics three times in his career and posted a 2.91 ERA in 21 2/3. Shea Langeliers is 4-for-10 with two doubles and a home run. Nick Kurtz is 0-for-7 with four strikeouts.

From STATS: Baz has a 45.3 percent ground ball rate against right-handed hitters and a 29.1 percent rate against left-handed hitters.

Athletics right-hander Aaron Civale has made seven starts this season and posted a 2.95 ERA in 36 2/3 innings. He’s allowed one run in 11 innings in his last two outings.

Civale has a 3.45 ERA and 1.723 WHIP in three home starts and a 2.57 ERA and 1.048 WHIP in four road games. All four home runs allowed have come against his fastball.

In five career starts against the Orioles, Civale has registered a 5.81 ERA and 1.443 WHIP over 26 1/3 innings. Gunnar Henderson is 3-for-7 with a home run. Taylor Ward is 0-for-10 with six strikeouts.

Langeliers is hitting .583 with five home runs and a 1.292 slugging percentage when ahead in the count.

For the Orioles
Gunnar Henderson SS
Taylor Ward LF
Adley Rutschman C
Pete Alonso 1B
Samuel Basallo DH
Leody Taveras CF
Dylan Beavers RF
Coby Mayo 3B
Jeremiah Jackson 2B

Shane Baz RHP
For the Athletics
Nick Kurtz 1B
Shea Langeliers C
Tyler Soderstrom LF
Brent Rooker DH
Carlos Cortes RF
Jacob Wilson SS
Lawrence Butler CF
Zack Gelof 3B
Jeff McNeil 2B

Aaron Civale RHP