Orioles move Ryan Helsley to IL again, designating Chadwick Tromp in roster shakeup

Baltimore recalled a pair of players and made a DFA decision behind closer Ryan Helsley’s right elbow discomfort, with the IL move retroactive to June 30.

By The Apex Times Newsroom2 min readAI-assisted Apex article

The Baltimore Orioles placed right-hander Ryan Helsley on the 15-day injured list on July 3 due to right elbow discomfort, a move that immediately reshapes the back end of their bullpen. The assignment was retroactive to June 30, meaning Baltimore will have to cover the high-leverage innings without its closer for at least part of the coming stretch.

The IL placement also arrives on the heels of an earlier, well-documented elbow issue this season. According to, Helsley previously was placed on the injured list from May 1 through June 16 because of right elbow inflammation, then made two rehab appearances for Triple-A Norfolk in mid-June before returning to the Orioles bullpen.

further reported that Helsley felt discomfort while warming in Baltimore’s bullpen before the ninth inning of a 6-1 win over the Chicago White Sox at Camden Yards on Wednesday. The closer did not enter that game, with the Orioles using Andrew Kittredge instead, as Helsley sat back down, rubbed his elbow, and indicated the need for further evaluation.

In corresponding roster moves tied to the IL transaction, the Orioles recalled infielder/outfielder Jeremiah Jackson and right-hander Anthony Nunez. At the same time, catcher Chadwick Tromp was designated for assignment, giving Baltimore room on the 26-man roster while it absorbs the immediate impact of a bullpen absence.

From a roster management standpoint, the Helsley situation carries heightened urgency because Baltimore has treated the right elbow issue as something that can flare up quickly even after a return. Manager Craig Albernaz told that the organization was preparing for the worst while waiting on information, and the Orioles have an off-day before resuming play.

What to watch next is how quickly Baltimore can determine whether the elbow discomfort is closer to a precautionary skip or another setback that could extend beyond the minimum 15-day window. The path of Tromp’s DFA also matters, since Baltimore could replace his catching depth internally, trade for a new option, or allow the club to lose him to waivers depending on how the sequence plays out.

Why It Matters

The IL move removes a primary late-inning option from the Orioles bullpen, forcing new high-leverage assignments.
Because the elbow issue has already cost Helsley time earlier in the season, the Orioles face uncertainty about how long they will need to manage without him.
Designating a catcher indicates how Baltimore is balancing immediate pitching needs with maintaining behind-the-plate coverage.
The next decisions on Helsley’s health and Tromp’s roster outcome will help determine Baltimore’s flexibility during the season’s near-term workload.

Sources

Key Facts

The Orioles placed closer Ryan Helsley on the 15-day injured list for right elbow discomfort, retroactive to June 30.
Baltimore recalled infielder/outfielder Jeremiah Jackson and right-hander Anthony Nunez in corresponding roster moves.
Catcher Chadwick Tromp was designated for assignment to clear roster space.
reported Helsley experienced right elbow discomfort while warming in the Orioles’ bullpen and did not enter a 6-1 win over the White Sox.
noted Helsley previously was on the IL from May 1 through June 16 with right elbow inflammation and returned after two rehab appearances for Triple-A Norfolk.