Orioles Closer Ryan Helsley Out 15 Days with Elbow Swelling, 12th Team Injury

Orioles closer Ryan Helsley cannot play for 15 days because of elbow swelling. This is the 12th player on the team to get hurt, which is a high number for this season.
By Newsroom | Baseball News, Baltimore |

CLOSER HELSELY SIDELINED WITH ELBOW INFLAMMATION

Ryan Helsley, the Orioles' closer, has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation. The move, effective retroactively to Wednesday, adds him to a roster already burdened by absences. This marks the 12th player from the Baltimore squad to land on the injured list. Helsley last pitched on Tuesday, securing his seventh save of the season, but apparently sustained the injury during that outing.

ROSTER SHIFTS AMIDST CONTINUED ABSENCES

With Helsley sidelined, Albert Suárez, a right-hander who had previously been released and then re-signed to a minor league deal, will be activated to fill the bullpen spot. Suárez had been selected to the active roster earlier in the season but was later removed. The team also saw José Suárez elect free agency after clearing waivers, further depleting their pitching depth.

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  • The club has been actively managing roster movements, with Andrew Kittredge and Keegan Akin recently returning from their own injuries.

  • Anthony Nunez, a rookie right-hander, has previously stepped in to earn saves when Helsley was unavailable, particularly during a previous bereavement leave.

  • Other high-leverage arms such as Rico Garcia and Yennier Cano may see an uptick in save opportunities.

LONG-TERM IMPACT AND UNCERTAINTY

The constant churn on the injured list raises questions about the Orioles' pitching resilience as the season progresses. The team has also recently activated left-hander Cade Povich to start a series opener, while right-hander Cameron Foster was optioned. Scheduled starters Kyle Bradish and Shane Baz are expected to take the mound in upcoming games, but the ongoing attrition suggests a precarious situation for the pitching staff.

BACKGROUND

The frequent placement of players on the injured list highlights a recurring challenge for the Orioles. While some players have returned, the continuous cycle of additions and subtractions to the active roster points to underlying issues with player availability. The team's ability to maintain competitive performance hinges on navigating these personnel challenges effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Orioles closer Ryan Helsley not playing baseball?
Ryan Helsley, the Orioles' main closer, cannot play for 15 days. He has swelling in his right elbow. This injury started on January 1, 2026, and means he needs time to get better.
Q: How many Orioles players are injured now, including Ryan Helsley?
With Ryan Helsley's injury, the Orioles now have 12 players who cannot play due to injuries. This is a big challenge for the team as they try to win games this season.
Q: Who will get saves for the Orioles while Ryan Helsley is out?
While Ryan Helsley is out, other Orioles pitchers like Anthony Nunez, Rico Garcia, and Yennier Cano will likely try to get saves. The team will need these pitchers to step up and finish games.
Q: What changes for the Orioles team because Ryan Helsley is injured?
The Orioles team loses their top closer, Ryan Helsley, for 15 days. This means other pitchers must take his place, and the team will have to change its plans for the end of close games.
Q: When did Ryan Helsley's elbow injury start for the Orioles?
Ryan Helsley's elbow injury started on Wednesday, January 1, 2026. He last pitched on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, getting his seventh save before the injury was noted.