SEATTLE — The Orioles bullpen is about to get stronger.
Closer Ryan Helsley, who dealt with elbow inflammation since late April, is returning to the club ahead of Baltimore’s series against the Seattle Mariners, the team announced.
To make room for Helsley, the Orioles optioned right-hander Anthony Nunez.
Helsley completed two rehab outings for Triple-A Norfolk last week, during which he struck out five batters and allowed one hit in two innings. He only needed 14 pitches each inning. He pounded the strike zone and proved ready for a return to the majors.
The right-hander, who signed with the Orioles this winter, is an important piece of this bullpen. Before his elbow inflammation, Helsley recorded seven saves with a 2.53 ERA.
Helsley landed on the injured list on May 1 with elbow inflammation, but he avoided a lengthy absence because there was no ligament damage.
The bullpen held up without Helsley largely because of right-hander Rico Garcia’s late-game heroics, but lately there have been growing cracks Entering Monday, Orioles relievers combined for a 4.57 ERA, which ranked 21st in the majors. Garcia has allowed four earned runs in his last four appearances after allowing two in his previous 28 games.
Nunez also picked up late-game opportunities without Helsley there, but the rookie has struggled more of late. Since May, Nunez carries a 7.11 ERA in 19 innings. Since making the opening day roster, Nunez hadn’t returned to the minors until now.
Helsley’s experience will allow some of those bullpen arms to return to lower-leverage situations. And he is coming back at a critical time, with the Orioles (34-39) beginning a nine-game road trip against the Mariners, Dodgers and Angels.
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