The Baltimore Orioles reinstated closer Ryan Helsley from the 15-day injured list ahead of Tuesday night's game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
Helsley had been sidelined since May 1, retroactive to April 29, with right elbow inflammation. The 31-year-old right-hander completed two rehab appearances at Triple-A last week, striking out five batters over two scoreless innings.
“I’m pain-free, and [the rehab stint] was about making sure I could bounce back and feel kind of like my normal self,” Helsley said. He added that it may take a couple of outings to regain his full feel in the majors.
To make room on the roster, the Orioles optioned right-hander Anthony Nunez to Triple-A Norfolk. Helsley had posted a 2.53 ERA and converted all seven save chances in 12 appearances before his injury. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said the return strengthens the bullpen's late-inning options.
