Baltimore Orioles’ Craig Albernaz Provides Ryan Helsley, Félix Bautista Updates Before Blue Jays Game

The Baltimore Orioles are still fighting for their postseason lives. With 14 games remaining and chasing a three-game deficit for the final American League wild card spot, they are not out yet but the path is steep.

However, if they do make it, they could get back two significant reinforcements in the bullpen that could play a meaningful role in October or even during the final week of the regular season. Manager Craig Albernaz provided the latest updates on relief pitchers Ryan Helsley and Félix Bautista ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays.

"Orioles right-handers Ryan Helsley and Félix Bautista are throwing today for Triple-A Norfolk. That'll be Helsley's first rehab game," reported Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Albernaz added the team is waiting to see how both pitchers progress before deciding if they will return this year, but the organization is optimistic.

Getting both back at full strength would immediately change the outlook of this bullpen. The Orioles have struggled to hold leads at times this season, and Helsley and Bautista both bring closer-level experience as former All-Stars who have pitched in high-leverage situations at the highest level. For a young roster chasing October baseball, having two proven arms available in the late innings would be a significant advantage.

Helsley is making his first rehab appearance since being sidelined back in July due to right elbow discomfort for the second time this season. His right elbow has been a persistent problem all year, though no structural damage has been found. He has finally built back up enough to return to game action.

Before going down, Helsley posted a 4.11 ERA with eight saves across 17 appearances, which was below the standard the Orioles envisioned when they signed him to a two-year, $28 million deal this past offseason, but the sample size is too small to judge him entirely on those numbers.

As for Bautista, he has missed the entirety of the 2026 season recovering from surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum in his right shoulder. He underwent the procedure over a year ago and has been on a minor league rehab assignment for several weeks now, accumulating valuable game reps as he gradually works his way back toward big-league readiness.

Albernaz's optimism is encouraging, but the direction the Orioles take with both players will depend entirely on how the playoff race unfolds over the next several days. If they stay alive, both Helsley and Bautista could be significant factors not just for the stretch run but potentially into October as well.