RYAN HELSLEY NEWS

Resumes rehab assignment Helsley (forearm) resumed a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield on Sunday.

Impact Helsley had to be pulled off his initial rehab assignment due to continued discomfort with his right forearm, but an MRI came back clean and he's been cleared to return to game action. The reliever gave up a couple runs in an inning of work for Springfield, but the Cardinals are concerned mainly with how he's feeling. Helsley has been out since early June and there's no timetable for his return.

AUGUST 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

MRI again clean on forearm Helsley was cleared of any structural damage in his right forearm Tuesday following another MRI, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Impact Helsley continues to be bothered by lingering pain and tightness in his forearm, but he is scheduled to throw a bullpen session later this week in St. Louis and could then resume his minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis. Given the string of recent setbacks, it's hard to guess on a timetable for his return to the Cardinals' bullpen. The 29-year-old has been on the injured list since early June.

AUGUST 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoing more exams Helsley (forearm) "is undergoing another round of tests and evaluation," according to John Denton of MLB.com.

Impact Per the report, Helsley "has experienced pain and tightness between each of his four rehab appearances" this month, so he will be checked out again by the Cardinals' medical staff. Another update on his status figures to be released after the exams are performed.

AUGUST 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to resume rehab assignment Helsley (forearm) will resume his rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Memphis, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Impact This is a quick turnaround, as Helsley was just pulled off his rehab assignment Wednesday due to renewed discomfort in the forearm he strained back in mid-June. Multiple rounds of imaging scans taken this week showed no structural damage and he might again be on track to reclaim the closer role in St. Louis before the end of August.

AUGUST 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Return date pushed back Helsley underwent an MRI on Wednesday that showed improved healing in his strained right forearm, but he remains without a clear timeline to resume his rehab assignment, Jeff Jones...

Impact After making his third rehab appearance for Double-A Springfield on Sunday, Helsley reported residual soreness in his forearm and was pulled off the minor-league assignment to be sent in for further testing. Fortunately for Helsley, the MRI revealed nothing concerning, but the right-hander is still expected to stay away from pitching in minor-league games for an indefinite period of time. Helsley remains optimistic he'll make his way back from the 60-day injured list this season, though any return may be more likely to happen in September at this stage.

AUGUST 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Rehab assignment stalled Helsley (forearm) won't make a scheduled minor-league rehab appearance Wednesday due to soreness, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Impact There's no word yet as to the severity of the setback, but Helsley now seems doubtful to return to the Cardinals' bullpen at any point this week. Out since June 12 because of a right forearm strain, he had allowed two earned runs through three innings (three appearances) with Double-A Springfield.

AUGUST 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Beginning assignment Sunday Helsely (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield on Sunday, Jim Hayes of Bally Sports Midwest reports.

Impact Helsley has been on the injured list since mid-June with a right forearm strain and is now set to begin the final step in his recovery process. The 29-year-old reliever will likely make a few appearances in Double-A before moving to Triple-A Memphis, but the Cardinals are confident Helsley will be able to return when first eligible Aug. 10. When he returns, Helsely will likely take over as St. Louis' primary closer -- though Giovanny Gallegos may offer some competition for saves.

AUGUST 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Tosses live session Helsley (forearm) faced hitters in live batting practice Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Impact The Cardinals will likely reassess Helsley heading into the weekend, but if he reports no setbacks with his strained right forearm, he could be cleared to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment. The right-hander is eligible to return from the 60-day injured list next week, and he not need much longer than the minimum amount of time to get himself ready for game action. Once activated, Helsley should have a clearer path to the ninth-inning gig, as the Cardinals moved Jordan Hicks to Toronto ahead of the trade deadline. Giovanny Gallegos currently looks like Helsley's top challenger for save chances.

AUGUST 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Bullpen session coming Saturday Helsley (forearm) will throw another bullpen session Saturday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Impact Helsley began throwing off a mound July 19 before moving to the 60-day IL on Monday, so he won't be able to return for at least another two weeks. If everything goes well Saturday, Helsley could soon progress to facing live hitters.

JULY 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Moved to 60-day IL Helsley (forearm) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Monday.

Impact Helsley has been out since June 12 after being placed on the 15-day injured list, so although he is now on the 60-day IL, the right-hander remains eligible to return Aug. 12. The transaction made room for Andrew Suarez on the 40-man roster after Suarez had his contract selected from Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

JULY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Throws off mound Helsley (forearm) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Impact Helsley continues to ramp up his throwing program as he works his way back from a right forearm strain. He could be ready to face hitters soon. Jordan Hicks has been excellent in the closer role for the Cardinals lately, but he's likely to be traded, which would allow Helsley to slide back into his old job.

JULY 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared for throwing Helsley (forearm) was cleared to begin a throwing program Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Impact Helsley got the go-ahead after visiting with a specialist Tuesday. He has a lot of buildup ahead, beginning with flat-ground work, but the hard-throwing right-hander should be able to return to the Cardinals before the end of July if all goes well from this point forward. Jordan Hicks has taken over the closer role in St. Louis since Helsley went down June 12 with a forearm strain.

JUNE 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not close to return Manager Oliver Marmol said Sunday that Helsley (forearm) isn't close to being activated from the 15-day injured list, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Impact The 28-year-old was shut down from throwing for 10 days after landing on the injured list with a forearm strain June 12, and he'll need some time to build his arm back up after the shutdown period. A return after the All-Star break in mid-July still appears possible for Helsley, though he's without a clear target date for his return. Jordan Hicks has stepped in as St. Louis' primary closer in the interim, having recorded the club's past four saves.

JUNE 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

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JUNE 14, 2023

Second round of imaging Helsley (forearm) underwent a second round of imaging scans Tuesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Impact Jones notes that "concern is minimal" for Helsley's right forearm, but the Cardinals want to check all of the boxes with their hard-throwing closer to be sure there's nothing structurally wrong. He was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday and is in the midst of a 10-day shutdown period that will extend into next week. Giovanny Gallegos is expected to function as the primary closer in St. Louis while Helsley is sidelined.

JUNE 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Cardinals' Helsley on injured list with strained right forearm

Cardinals reliever Ryan Helsley was placed on the 15-day injured list because of a strained right forearm

JUNE 12, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Shut down several days Tests on Helsley's injured right forearm came back negative, but he will be shut down for several days, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Impact Helsley felt tightness in his forearm while playing catch Sunday and was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday. While it would appear he's not currently dealing with any structural damage, his absence could still be fairly lengthy since he'll need to be build back up after the shutdown period. Giovanny Gallegos will be the Cardinals' closer while Helsley is out.

JUNE 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Cardinals place RHP Ryan Helsley (forearm) on IL The St. Louis Cardinals placed late-inning reliever Ryan Helsley on the 15-day injured list Monday with a strained right forearm

JUNE 12, 2023 • DEADSPIN.COM

Heads to IL with forearm strain Helsley was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right forearm strain.

Impact Helsley didn't make an appearance over the weekend versus the Reds even as some situations seemed to dictate he should be used. Now it's known why he wasn't. Any forearm issue is certainly concerning and could lead to an extended absence. Giovanny Gallegos will be the odds-on favorite to close for St. Louis while Helsley is on the shelf.

JUNE 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Secures seventh save Helsley struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Rangers.

Impact Helsley's had a couple of stumbles this season, but he's avoided prolonged slumps. This was his third clean outing in his last four. The right-hander is 7-for-11 in save chances with two holds, a 3.24 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 33:11 K:BB over 25 innings this season. Helsley continues to share the closer role with Giovanny Gallegos, who tossed a perfect eighth inning for a hold against the middle of the Rangers' lineup while Helsley was used against the bottom of the order Wednesday.

JUNE 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Blows save Sunday Helsley (3-4) blew the save and took the loss Sunday against the Guardians, allowing two runs on one hit and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. He didn't record a strikeout.

Impact Helsley pitched 1.1 scoreless innings Saturday en route to a win and was called upon Sunday to secure the save, as Giovanny Gallegos was likely unavailable after appearing five times over the past nine days. Helsley struggled with the top of Cleveland's order and blew his first save since April 25. The right-hander already has four blown saves this season, which ties his mark from last year. Despite the poor outing, Helsley has been strong in May, posting a 2.77 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 16:6 K:BB over 11 appearances (13.0 innings).

MAY 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Nabs extra-inning win Helsley (3-3) struck out one over 1.1 perfect innings to earn the win Saturday versus the Guardians.

Impact Helsley got the last out of the eighth inning and pitched a clean ninth to keep the game tied at 1-1. He's had some shaky outings recently, allowing three runs (two earned) over his last three appearances, but Saturday was a reminder of what he can be when he's at his best. Helsley lowered his ERA to 2.82 with a 1.16 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB over 22.1 innings. He's now tied with Giovanny Gallegos for the team lead in saves with six apiece, and Helsley's added two holds and three blown saves while splitting the closing duties.

MAY 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Escapes with sixth save Tuesday Helsley recorded his sixth save of the season in Tuesday's 8-5 win over the Reds, giving up one hit and two walks in a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out one.

Impact The right-hander threw only 14 of 27 pitches for strikes and loaded the bases with two outs before getting Jonathan India to ground out and end the game. Helsley is suddenly fighting to find the strike zone, issuing four free passes in his last four appearances, but on the season he still has a 3.00 ERA and 28:10 K:BB through 21 innings.

MAY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Takes extra-inning loss Helsley (2-3) allowed an unearned run and walked one while striking out three over 1.1 innings, taking the extra-inning loss Monday versus the Reds.

Impact Helsley did his part to keep the game tied in the ninth inning, but a walk and a wild pitch put runners on the corners in the 10th. Nick Senzel then delivered a sacrifice fly for the walk-off win. This was the fourth time in 17 appearances that Helsley has given up a run, though the other three instances saw him yield multiple runs. He has a 3.15 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 27:7 K:BB while adding five saves, two holds and three blown saves through 20 innings.

MAY 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Snares win Saturday Helsley (2-2) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out two over one inning, earning the win Saturday over the Dodgers.

Impact Helsley also hit a batter in the eighth inning, but he was able to work around that. He ran into trouble in the ninth, but Giovanny Gallegos was able to close out the contest. Helsley's no stranger to getting more than three outs in an appearance, so it wasn't a surprise to see him begin the ninth. His scoreless streak came to an end at 8.1 innings, and he now has a 3.38 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 24:6 K:BB through 18.2 innings on the year. He's converted five of his eight save chances and added two holds.

MAY 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE