The Orioles’ hopeful closer, Ryan Helsley, has been placed on the injured list for the second time this season.
On Friday, ahead of a series-opening game in Cincinnati, Baltimore put the 31-year-old Helsley on the 15-day IL because of an elbow injury.
Helsley was warming in the O’s bullpen on Wednesday for non-save situation when he experienced “elbow discomfort,” Baltimore manager Craig Albernaz said after the Orioles’ 6-1 win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. He didn't make it into the game and Andrew Kittredge tossed the ninth instead.
Helsley – who signed a two-year, $28 million free-agent contract this offseason to be the O’s closer – was previously sidelined by right elbow inflammation from May 1 to June 16. He didn’t have any surgery.
Helsley is 8-for-9 in save opportunities during his first season with Baltimore. But his elbow has appeared to have played a role in degrading his performance over the past month. He had around a 2.50 ERA in 12 appearances before his first IL stint and a 7.71 ERA in five games afterward. Now he’s officially hurt again.
The Orioles recalled righty Anthony Nunez from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move.
We'll see who handles closing duties in Helsley's absence. It may be a group effort, including Kittredge and Yennier Cano. And it remains to be seen how long Helsley is out, but recurring elbow problems is not a good sign.