Baltimore Orioles All-Star closer Ryan Helsley took another important step toward returning to the bullpen Tuesday, throwing his first live batting practice session since suffering an elbow injury.
Jake Rill of MLB.com reported the development, which puts Helsley in line for the next phase of his recovery. The session also follows the timeline previously outlined by Orioles manager Craig Albernaz.
Helsley has been sidelined since late June because of right elbow inflammation. He was placed on the 10-day injured list July 3, retroactive to June 30, before being transferred to the 60-day IL later that month.
The right-hander has appeared in just 17 games this season, posting a 4.11 ERA with 21 strikeouts across 15.1 innings. He has also converted eight of nine save opportunities.
That production would be a major addition for an Orioles bullpen that has struggled to consistently protect leads during a difficult season. Baltimore’s recent six-game losing streak ended Monday, but the club remains in a difficult position with the regular season nearing its conclusion.
The Orioles entered Tuesday 70-75 and 3.0 games behind the final American League Wild Card spot with 17 games remaining. Tampa Bay, New York and Boston occupy the top three spots in the AL East, while Toronto sits just ahead of Baltimore.
Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Helsley’s live BP session is expected to be followed by a minor-league rehab assignment as he continues working toward a potential late-September return.
If he gets back to full strength, the Orioles could have their most reliable ninth-inning option available for the final push. With the margin for error shrinking, that could give Albernaz an important weapon when every late lead matters.
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