The Baltimore Orioles just announced a big bullpen shakeup. Closer Ryan Helsley heads to the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, and that news set off a bunch of roster moves as the team scrambles through a tough stretch of games.
The club hopes this is just a short blip, but everyone’s already wondering who’ll handle Helsley’s high-leverage innings for now. That’s a lot to juggle, especially with the schedule not letting up anytime soon.
Helsley on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation
Helsley first noticed some discomfort about a week ago. At first, nobody thought it was serious.
Tests didn’t show anything alarming, and he’s taking anti-inflammatory meds. The Orioles sound cautiously optimistic he won’t be out too long.
This season, the 31-year-old righty has looked sharp. He’s nailed all seven save chances and put up a 2.53 ERA in 12 outings.
He’s struck out 15 and walked seven over 10 2/3 innings. That’s the kind of performance that got him a two-year, $28 million deal last December—even after a rocky finish with his old club.
Helsley last pitched on Tuesday, throwing 12 pitches to lock down a save in Baltimore’s 5-3 win over Houston. Now, with the IL move, the Orioles’ late-inning plans get a real test.
The bullpen already hit some rough patches this year. Manager Craig Albernaz now has to mix and match even more as the team eyes a playoff run.
Helsley’s injury history makes the Orioles extra careful here. He missed nearly three months last year with a right forearm strain, and he’s dealt with knee, elbow, and shoulder issues since his rookie season.
The team has to balance the urge to win now with keeping Helsley healthy for the long haul. That’s not an easy line to walk, especially with the bullpen still finding its groove.
Impact on Orioles’ bullpen and schedule
The IL move piles onto an already challenging year for Baltimore’s bullpen. Helsley’s absence means the team has to rethink who gets the ball late in games, especially with the AL East as tight as ever.
Baltimore quickly made a series of roster moves to keep the pitching staff afloat. The club called up lefty Cade Povich from Triple-A Norfolk to start against the Yankees.
They also brought up righty Albert Suárez from the Tides. On the flip side, right-hander Cameron Foster was sent down to Single-A Norfolk.
That’s a lot of shuffling, but it shows the Orioles are willing to mix things up to fill rotation holes and bridge the gap while Helsley recovers.
- 12th Oriole on the injured list this season: The IL list keeps growing, and it’s really testing Baltimore’s depth in 2024.
- Cade Povich recalled to start vs. the Yankees: Povich gets a shot to prove himself in a key divisional matchup.
- Albert Suárez signed and active for bullpen depth: Suárez brings some veteran presence as the team tries to steady things late in games.
- Cameron Foster optioned to Single-A Norfolk: Foster heads down to work on his stuff and make room on the roster.
What to watch for in the Orioles’ next steps
Philadelphia-area scouts and Orioles fans alike should keep an eye on how the bullpen adapts without Helsley in high-leverage situations. The coaching staff will probably lean on a mix of steady veterans and energetic youngsters to protect late leads and fend off tough opponents in the coming weeks.
The team seems optimistic about Helsley’s timeline, so they’re hoping to get him back before too long. Still, his actual return depends on how his elbow heals and whether anti-inflammatory treatment keeps the pain in check.
In the meantime, Baltimore’s bullpen depth faces a real test. How Povich, Suárez, and the rest of the relief crew handle things could make or break the Orioles’ chances to keep pace in a packed division.
Stay tuned for updates on Helsley’s recovery, the bullpen’s shifting roles, and the performances of newly recalled or promoted arms—especially when they’re up against the Yankees and other contenders. There’s a lot to watch, and honestly, it’s anyone’s guess how it’ll all shake out.
Here is the source article for this story: O’s place Ryan Helsley on IL due to right elbow inflammation
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s