Baltimore Orioles Lose All-Star to Injury List for Second Time

The Baltimore Orioles signed Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million contract this past offseason to become the team's lockdown closing pitcher. During his seven-year tenure in St. Louis, he earned two All-Star selections and a Reliever of the Year award.  

Unfortunately, his first season with the organization has not gone according to plan. His contract came at something of a discount considering Helsley really struggled in the second half of 2025 with the New York Mets, but the Orioles trusted his past results and bet on a bounce-back. 

When on the field, the results have been inconsistent. He has struck out 21 hitters over 15 1/3 innings and 17 appearances, but his ERA has climbed to 4.11, well above his career mark of 3.01. He also carries an 0-4 record, has blown one save and has walked more hitters than usual, with command being a persistent issue. 

To make matters worse, his health has been a problem all season. Helsley suffered a right elbow injury that forced him to miss six weeks earlier this year in May and half of June. Now, he is heading back to the injured list for the second time. 

The Orioles announced Friday that Helsley had been placed on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow discomfort. The move is retroactive to June 30. 

Right-hander Anthony Nunez was also recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to provide the bullpen with immediate reinforcements. 

The fact that it is the same right elbow again is especially troubling. This time around it looks like it could be a matter of months rather than weeks, raising real concerns about whether Helsley will be a factor at all during the second half of the season. He also may be forced to undergo surgery if there is any structural damage. 

For the Orioles, losing their closer makes their path back to contention much harder. Entering Friday's series opener against the Cincinnati Reds, they already sit eight games under .500 at 40-48, and even in a weak American League that is a sizeable hole to climb out of. 

President of baseball operations Mike Elias has indicated he plans on buying at this year's trade deadline rather than selling, but if the Orioles keep dropping games it will be hard to justify that approach to ownership. Losing Helsley, even when he was not at his best, is another blow to a team that simply cannot afford any more setbacks right now.