Orioles’ bullpen gets desperately needed boost before Mariners game

The Baltimore Orioles were without their star closer, Ryan Helsley, for all of May. The pitcher has been out and on the 15-Day injured list with right elbow inflammation since an April 28 performance. He is finally getting reinstated ahead of Baltimore’s game against the Seattle Mariners, and the move couldn’t have come at a more important time.

The Orioles are 34-39 and in fourth place in the American League East. They came into the season with sky-high expectations, as a young core littered with former elite prospects was supposed to pair with some veteran additions to create a special season. So far, that hasn’t happened, but Helsley, one of the offseason gets, has been a bright spot for the team when on the bump.

The closer has a 2.53 ERA in 12 appearances. He is also one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the sport. The Orioles still have high hopes for their young core, particularly their plethora of offensive youngsters, but they need a steady veteran like Helsley to round everything together.

Other starting pitchers, including Zach Eflin, Cade Povich, Dean Kremer, and Chris Bassitt, are also on the injured list right now. The same goes for relievers Felix Bautista, Yaramil Hiraldo, and Colin Selby. In a corresponding move with the Helsley reinstatement, Anthony Nunez was optioned back down to Triple-A. Injury issues have become something the team has gotten accustomed to in recent years. If the Orioles don’t turn things around soon, they could miss the playoffs in disappointing fashion for the second straight season.

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