Overview
- The Orioles activated closer Ryan Helsley from the 15-day injured list and cleared a roster spot by optioning right-hander Anthony Nunez to Triple-A Norfolk.
- Helsley completed two effective Triple-A rehab outings last week in which he recorded multiple strikeouts and threw consecutive short, efficient scoreless frames.
- The 31-year-old signed a two-year, $28 million deal in the offseason and had a 2.53 ERA with seven saves in seven chances over 12 appearances before his IL stint.
- Baltimore still has multiple starters and relievers on the injured list, which has stretched roster depth and contributed to the team's sub-.500 record and lower-division standing.
- The immediate effect is a veteran boost to late-inning pitching while Nunez gets time to reset in Triple-A and the club monitors its broader injury-driven roster needs and playoff prospects.