Orioles believe bullpen’s a strength: ‘I think we’re going to surprise some people’

FORT MYERS, Florida—Several key members of the Orioles’ bullpen were on display on Monday. Closer Ryan Helsley pitched for the first time, throwing a scoreless third. Yennier Cano, who allowed two unearned runs because of a throwing error by third baseman Coby Mayo, followed him.

Grant Wolfram, Yaramil Hiraldo and Dietrich Enns followed with scoreless innings in the Orioles’ 10-5 win over the Minnesota Twins.

Manager Craig Albernaz said he was happy with the bullpen’s work.

“One hundred percent. They’ve all been something really good every time they’ve gone out on the mound,” Albernaz said. “Whether it’s been strike quality, whether it’s been how they’re moving, whether it’s been their shapes, they’re throwing the ball really well.

“That’s a testament to the work they’ve been putting in. We have a lot of options, and that’s a good thing to have.”

Helsley, signed as a free agent in November, was satisfied with his outing, as was Albernaz.

“Helsley looked great,” Albernaz said. “Fastball velo was great. He leaned into his split. Curveball had good shapes in the strike zone. He looked good for his first outing.”

Andrew Kittredge, who was reacquired from the Chicago Cubs in early November, played in St. Louis with Helsley in 2024. He thinks the Orioles are getting an excellent closer.

“He’s great. A great teammate, a hard worker, no ego, honestly the kind of teammate you want,” Kittredge said. “I’ve got nothing but great things to say about him as a teammate and a friend. I consider him a friend. We played together that one year and just excited to get a chance to play with him again.”

Helsley, who has 105 career saves, is impressed by the arms in the bullpen.

“A lot of those guys have gotten big outs in their careers,” Helsley said. “It’s something to be excited about, and there’s a lot of talent down there, too. There are a lot of guys fighting for spots that don’t have a for-sure spot. This camp is going to be fun to watch them compete and see who the last few spots go to.”

Kittredge, who was with the Orioles until the July trade deadline, pitched with many of the candidates and thinks the bullpen can be a strength.

“Being around a lot of the guys last year, young guys that got their feet wet, there’s a lot of talent,” Kittredge said. “I had a chance to play with Dietrich back in Tampa and was able to see what he can do. Helsley, a couple of years ago, we had a really good time in the St. Louis bullpen, so a lot to be excited about.”

There are eight relievers on minor league contracts in camp — left-handers Jean Carlos Henriquez, Andrew Magno and Eric Torres, and right-handers Jeisson Cabrera, Hans Crouse, Jose Espada, Richard Guasch and Enoli Paredes.

Helsley has been watching them work on the back fields.

“I think it’s really deep,” he said. “What I’ve seen from bullpens and lives, I’ve seen a lot of talent out there, and I think we’re going to surprise some people with the talent and the depth that it can have.”

Albernaz knows many of the relievers won’t make the team initially but might make a difference later in the year. Last spring training, Hiraldo was an unknown and ended up with his first 18 big league appearances.

“We just want our guys to go out there and be themselves,” Albernaz said. “For them, it’s not making an impression. It’s not trying to do too much. We just want them to go out and be who they are.”

He reassures his young pitchers that they can contribute: “You’re here for a reason. You were signed for a reason. This is why we like you. This is why we think you’re great.

“It’s them just going out and being themselves. There’s no added pressure … We know what they can do. That’s why they’re here. For us, it’s let them go pitch and see what happens at the end of camp.”

With so many coaches and instructors around, someone is always watching the young pitchers.

“There’s always going to be opportunities for them to pitch for us. It doesn’t have to be in big league camp. It can be outings in the minor leagues,” Albernaz said. “There’s no hiding anymore. No matter where you throw. There’s always eyes on you. There’s always tech on you. We’re all aware of how our guys are throwing. Just because they’re not throwing in the actual stadium, even if they’re throwing in lives, they’re out there making an impression.”

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