Outlook Ryan Helsley
Ryan Helsley shines in rehab debut but remains sidelined for the upcoming week
Ryan Helsley is taking significant steps toward a return from right elbow inflammation, most recently striking out three in a dominant, scoreless rehab appearance for Triple-A Norfolk on June 11. The fourth-place Orioles (34-39) are currently sliding on a two-game losing streak and desperately need his high-leverage presence back in a bullpen currently anchored by Rico Garcia.
Prior to his injury, the veteran was sharp with a 2.65 ERA and a stellar 13.24 K/9 across 10.2 innings, which aligns with his career baseline as a high-end shutdown option. Our season models project him to finish with 27 saves, 63 strikeouts, and a strong 3.52 ERA, confirming that his elite fantasy upside remains completely intact once he is fully cleared.
Although Baltimore has six road games scheduled this week against the Mariners and Dodgers, Helsley will spend the next few days continuing his minor-league rehab assignment to build up arm strength. Because he is not expected to rejoin the active roster until at least late this week, he remains a mandatory stash but cannot yet be started in active lineups. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 2 days ago
Latest News Ryan Helsley
Outlook Rico Garcia
Garcia's grip on the closer role slips amid recent struggles
Rico Garcia has hit a rough patch for the fourth-place Orioles (34-39), posting a 12.27 ERA and 2.27 WHIP over his last three appearances. Though he has filled in as closer with Ryan Helsley on the injured list, his recent slump—highlighted by a costly home run on June 14—comes right as Helsley nears a mid-June return.
While his last 30 days have been rocky, Garcia's overall season remains strong with a 2.05 ERA and 0.83 WHIP. However, this recent slump aligns more closely with our projected 4.50 season ERA, indicating his historic, hitless start to the year was bound for regression. Expect him to transition back to a setup role very soon.
Baltimore faces a tough six-game road trip against Seattle and Los Angeles, facing stingy arms like Logan Gilbert and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Our models project Garcia for a 4.95 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP over two innings of work this week. With his ratios ballooning and his save opportunities drying up, he belongs on the bench. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 2 days ago
