CINCINNATI -- The Orioles are again going to be without their closer for at least a couple of weeks -- and potentially longer.
On Friday, Baltimore placed right-hander Ryan Helsley on the 15-day injured list prior to the opener at Cincinnati. Right-hander Anthony Nunez was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to fill the opening in the bullpen.
The O’s also recalled infielder/outfielder Jeremiah Jackson from Triple-A and designated catcher Chadwick Tromp for assignment, as they decided to no longer carry three backstops on their 26-man active roster.
Helsley began to feel discomfort in his elbow when the 31-year-old was warming during the eighth inning of Wednesday’s 6-1 win over the White Sox. He did not enter the game and sat back down on the bullpen bench.
This is Helsley’s second IL stint of the season, as he was previously sidelined by right elbow inflammation from May 1-June 16. That ailment did not require any procedure, as he took anti-inflammatory medication, made two rehab appearances in Triple-A and then returned.
Manager Craig Albernaz said Helsley is "looking at all his options, getting opinions, and he's just gathering information" after undergoing an MRI. Left-hander Keegan Akin (who went on the IL on Monday with left elbow discomfort) is still doing the same as well.
Helsley has a 4.11 ERA and is 8-for-9 in save opportunities during his first season with Baltimore. However, he recorded a 2.53 ERA in 12 outings before his first IL stint and a 7.71 ERA in five appearances following his return.
In Helsley's absence, Baltimore will again likely close by committee. Among the top options to pitch in high-leverage spots are right-handers Tyler Wells and Yennier Cano and lefty Grant Wolfram.
Nunez had been optioned on June 16 after posting a 4.98 ERA in 32 games earlier this season, his first taste of the big leagues. The 24-year-old had a 7.50 ERA in five appearances at Triple-A.