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Baltimore transferred Helsley (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.
Though he was cleared of any structural damage to his UCL following a recent MRI, Helsley is tending to inflammation around the ligament and will require an extended period of rest and recovery. The Orioles are optimistic that the 31-year-old will be activated from the IL before the end of the season, but a clearer target date for his return won't be known until he starts throwing again. At the very least, Helsley's move to the 60-day IL ensures he won't be available for the Orioles until Aug. 29. While Helsley is on the shelf, Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge look to be the top options for saves out of the Baltimore bullpen.
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Orioles' Ryan Helsley: Avoids structural damage
Rotowire
Helsley was diagnosed Saturday with inflammation around the UCL in his right elbow, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.
Helsley landed on the injured list July 3 due to elbow discomfort, and although he's dealing with inflammation that will keep him sidelined for an extended period of time, manager Craig Albernaz confirmed that the 31-year-old reliever hasn't suffered any structural damage to his UCL. A timeline for his recovery could begin to come into focus once he begins a throwing program, but the team is optimistic that Helsley will be back before the end of the season. In the meantime, Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge will likely factor into the mix for saves in Baltimore.
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Orioles' Ryan Helsley: Seeking second opinion on elbow
Rotowire
Helsley will solicit a second opinion on his injured right elbow, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
The Orioles have not revealed the initial prognosis, but Helsley will seek out another evaluation before making a decision as to the next course of action. Helsley missed seven weeks of action with right elbow inflammation earlier this season and landed back on the IL this past Friday with more elbow trouble. The Orioles could have more information on Helsley's status later this week. Tyler Wells has notched two straight saves for Baltimore since Helsley was injured.
Orioles' Ryan Helsley: Sent to IL with elbow discomfort
Rotowire
The Orioles placed Helsley on the 15-day injured list Friday with right elbow discomfort.
Helsey felt discomfort in his elbow while warming up in the bullpen Wednesday, and he'll now miss at least the next couple weeks. The right-hander missed seven weeks with elbow inflammation earlier this season and just returned from the injured list two weeks ago. Rico Garcia figures to be next in line for saves for Baltimore.
Orioles' Ryan Helsley: Sent for testing on sore elbow
Rotowire
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said Wednesday that Helsley is dealing with right elbow discomfort and will undergo further testing, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.
Helsley was warming up in the bullpen as he readied to enter Wednesday's game against the White Sox, but he felt something in his elbow and had to take a seat. Instead, Andrew Kittredge came on to close out the 6-1 victory. Helsley missed seven weeks of action earlier this season with right elbow inflammation and could be headed for another extended absence, depending on what the imaging shows. If Helsley needs to miss more time, Rico Garcia is likely the top candidate to fill in at closer for the Orioles, though Kittredge and Yennier Cano could also be in the mix.
Helsley struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his eighth save of the season in a 3-1 win over the Nationals.
The right-hander dispatched the visitors on 12 pitches (nine strikes) to pick up his first save since coming off the IL in mid-June. Helsley got tagged for five runs in 1.2 innings in his first two appearances after recovering from elbow inflammation, but he seems to be shaking off the rust, topping out at 100.4 mph with his fastball Friday in his second straight scoreless outing. On the season, Helsley has converted eight of nine save chances while posting a 4.40 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 20:9 K:BB in 14.1 innings.
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Orioles' Ryan Helsley: Blows save Friday
Rotowire
Helsley (0-3) allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks without recording a strikeout over two-thirds of an inning, taking a blown save and the loss Friday versus the Dodgers.
Called on to protect a two-run lead, Helsley couldn't get the job done. This was his second appearance since he returned from right elbow inflammation, and he's allowed five runs (four earned) over 1.2 innings in those games. If his struggles persist, he could lose his hold on the closer role for the Orioles, though this was his first blown save of the year and just the second time he's allowed multiple runs. He's at a 5.11 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 17:9 K:BB through 12.1 innings while converting seven of eight save chances this season.
Orioles' Ryan Helsley: Reinstated from injured list
Rotowire
The Orioles activated Helsley (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.
Helsley wound up being sidelined for seven weeks with right elbow inflammation. He struck out five of seven batters faced over two scoreless rehab innings with Triple-A Norfolk and should slide right back into the closer role in Baltimore. Helsley posted a 2.53 ERA and 15:7 K:BB over 10.2 frames while notching seven saves before he got injured.
Helsley (elbow) pitched one inning with two strikeouts and no hits allowed for Triple-A Norfolk in his second rehab appearance Saturday.
Helsley turned in a 1-2-3 inning on just 14 pitches. Baltimore has missed the right-hander's presence in the back end of the bullpen since he was placed on the injured list May 1. Before being deactivated, Helsley posted a 2.53 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB with seven saves in 10.2 innings. He should settle back in as Baltimore's closer once he returns from the shelf.
Orioles' Ryan Helsley: Beginning assignment Thursday
Rotowire
Helsley (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Cordell Woodland of 105.7 The Fan Baltimore reports.
Helsley was cleared to throw live batting practice Monday, and after getting through it without any problems, he's now set to test his elbow in a game setting. The 31-year-old closer has been on the shelf since the beginning of May and will likely require multiple tune-up outings before coming off the IL.
Helsley (elbow) threw batting practice against live hitters Monday, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.
Helsley had already completed multiple bullpen sessions over the last two weeks, but his ability to face hitters Monday means that he's checked off another box in the recovery process for his inflamed right elbow, which sent him to the injured list May 1. If Helsley checks out fine following the workout, the Orioles could clear him to head out on a rehab assignment later this week.
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