"Yankees are a dirty franchise"; "Clay Holmes was throwing at him and got it up high"- Orioles fans upset with Heston Kjerstad's move to concussion IL

Apart from their 4-1 loss against the New York Yankees, Friday's game also landed a big blow for the Baltimore Orioles. During the game, Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the helmet by a pitch from Yankees reliever Clay Holmes.

After going 0-2 against Kjerstad, Holmes threw a 96.8 mph sinker that hit him in the head, causing Kjerstad to fall to the ground. The 25-year-old had to leave the game, and his team, especially Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, wasn’t happy about the incident.

Following the game, Kjerstad underwent tests and did his pregame routine on Saturday. However, he wasn’t recovered and was replaced by Austin Hays in the lineup before the game started.

Kjerstad has been placed on the seven-day concussion injured list by the Baltimore Orioles. Several fans reacted to the news on X (formerly Twitter), sharing their reactions.

“Shits sad and scary, hope he recovers,” a fan said.

“Fucking Clay Holmes! Was throwing at him and got it up high! What a fucking idiot! Hope The #orioles destroy #Yankees today! Watch out Judge!” another fan wrote.

“They just said he was in the lineup,” another fan wrote.

Many fans blamed the Yankees with a couple pointing fingers at pitcher Clay Holmes.

“The Yankees are total and absolute bullies. And they get away with it. GOD PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT,” a comment reads.

“Suspend Holmes and take away his all star nomination, which he didnt deserve anyway,” another comment reads.

"Yankees are a dirty franchise," someone wrote.

Shortly after Kjerstad was hit in the ninth inning, an angry Brandon Hyde entered the field, pointing fingers, while Yankees catcher Austin Wells tried to restrain him. Both benches and bullpens cleared after the Orioles manager entered the field, eventually leading to his ejection from the game.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde discusses ejection following Kjerstad's injury

After being swept by the Chicago Cubs, the Baltimore Orioles started their three-game series with the New York Yankees with a loss. Discussing his ejection after the game, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said (via MLB.com):

“It’s an emotional time at that time. My guy just got hit right in the ear. I’m upset, and then I see their dugout and they’re waving at me and yelling at me, so I just didn’t appreciate it at the time.”

The Bronx Bombers secured a 6-1 victory against the Orioles in Saturday’s game. Both teams will meet again on Sunday for the final game of their series.