![\"Baltimore](\"https:\/\/wp.clutchpoints.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ryan-Helsley-pitching.jpg?w=1200\")
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The Baltimore Orioles<\/strong> continue to battle through injury issues in the early stages of the 2026 season, with closer Ryan Helsley<\/strong> the latest player to be sidelined. Helsley was placed on the 15-day injured list<\/strong> due to right elbow inflammation<\/strong>, raising questions about Baltimore\u2019s bullpen stability during a challenging stretch of games.<\/p>\n According to Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner<\/strong>, Helsley\u2019s injury is not believed to be serious<\/strong>, and the Orioles are taking a cautious, step-by-step approach to his recovery.<\/p>\n \u201cRyan Helsley, on the injured list for elbow inflammation, will be reevaluated this week before he begins a throwing program,\u201d Kostka reported. \u201cThe Orioles say Jackson Holliday and Heston Kjerstad are potentially nearing rehab assignments, depending on evaluations.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The team is monitoring Helsley closely to ensure a full recovery before resuming pitching activities, which is crucial given his role as the team\u2019s primary closer while Felix Bautista remains sidelined<\/strong> until at least September.<\/p>\n Helsley has had a strong start to his Orioles career. In his first season with Baltimore, he has pitched 10 2\/3 innings across 12 appearances<\/strong>, posting a 2.53 ERA<\/strong> while converting all 7 save opportunities<\/strong>. His ability to perform under pressure has been essential to the team, especially with the bullpen in flux.<\/p>\n With Helsley sidelined, the Orioles are likely to rely on a committee approach<\/strong> in save situations. Possible contributors include Andrew Kittredge, Keegan Akin, Tyler Wells, Rico Garcia, and Yennier Cano<\/strong>, all of whom may see expanded roles while Helsley recovers.<\/p>\n Baltimore\u2019s overall record of 15-19<\/strong> has been impacted by injuries and inconsistent play, particularly during series against division rivals. Despite this, catcher Adley Rutschman<\/strong> remains optimistic about the team\u2019s ability to rebound.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s a crucial point, and I think our guys are up to the challenge,\u201d Rutschman said.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Orioles\u2019 ability to navigate this challenging stretch with a weakened roster could determine whether they remain competitive in the AL East<\/strong> early in the season. Early success upon Helsley\u2019s return could also help stabilize the bullpen and provide a much-needed boost to team morale.<\/p>\n Helsley\u2019s health and availability will be a pivotal factor for the Orioles\u2019 bullpen moving forward. Fans will be watching closely as the team navigates this period, hoping the closer returns fully healthy and ready to protect late-inning leads.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Baltimore Orioles continue to battle through injury issues in the early stages of the 2026 season, with closer Ryan Helsley the latest player to be sidelined…. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":183325,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-183324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\nInjury Status and Timeline<\/h3>\n
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Performance Before Injury<\/h3>\n
![\"Orioles](\"https:\/\/bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com\/morning-times.com\/content\/tncms\/assets\/v3\/editorial\/2\/c1\/2c12d904-7f45-5985-abf3-1ddfdc645ba3\/69f54673f0f68.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800\")
<\/p>\nTeam Outlook Amid Injuries<\/h3>\n
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Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n
![\"Orioles'](\"https:\/\/wp.clutchpoints.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Adley-Rutschman-on-March-18-2026.jpg\")
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