BALTIMORE -- Ryan Helsley was warming in the Orioles' bullpen prior to the ninth inning of the team's 6-1 win over the White Sox at Camden Yards on Wednesday afternoon. However, when the doors swung open in center field, it was Andrew Kittredge -- not Helsley -- who ran through them and then closed out the victory.
It wasn't a good sign then, and now, it appears Baltimore could again be without its closer for at least a bit.
Helsley experienced right elbow discomfort while he was throwing in the bullpen, which is why the 31-year-old did not enter the game. Instead, he sat back down on the bench and began to rub his elbow, as the MASN broadcast showed him using his left hand to support it while also flexing his right hand.
The injury is especially concerning because Helsley was on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation from May 1-June 16. He took anti-inflammatory medication, made two rehab appearances for Triple-A Norfolk in mid-June and then returned to the O's bullpen.
Manager Craig Albernaz said Helsley was being examined after the game and more information would be shared in the next few days. The Orioles have an off-day on Thursday before opening a three-game series in Cincinnati on Friday night.
"My level of concern with something like that is always high. It's almost like you prepare for the worst and hope for the best," Albernaz said. "Hopefully, everything comes out and he's fine, but you're always concerned when the bullpen calls out and says, 'Hey, he can't go.' But we'll kind of see where this leads and [get] more information. Hopefully, it was kind of just precautionary."
After signing a two-year, $28 million deal this past offseason, Helsley has a 4.11 ERA in 17 appearances for Baltimore, going 8-for-9 in save opportunities. He had a 2.53 ERA in 12 outings prior his IL stint, but he struggled a bit upon his return, recording a 7.71 ERA over his previous five showings.
Helsley hadn't pitched since Saturday, so the O's were looking to get the righty some work despite having a five-run lead on Wednesday.
If Helsley misses time, the Orioles will go back to closing by committee, with right-handers Tyler Wells and Yennier Cano and lefty Grant Wolfram among the favorites to pitch in high-leverage spots at the moment.