Injury updates on Helsley, Akin; Orioles-Royals lineups

Orioles closer Ryan Helsley and his sore elbow appear to be back to square one…and that’s the good news.

Manager Craig Albernaz said before Saturday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals that Helsley, who is on the injured list retroactive to June 30th, continues to experience elbow inflammation but apparently does not have a ligament tear that would require season-ending surgery. Still, since Helsley missed seven weeks with his earlier elbow flareup, this relapse could keep him out of action well into August or beyond.

“He’s going to stay with us,” Albernaz said, “We’re kind of taking it slow with him and see where he’s at. We have a rehab process.”

Helsley is 0-4 with a 4.11 ERA and eight saves in 17 games.

The update on left-handed reliever Keegan Akin was more ominous. He’s set to see elbow specialist Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday and could be headed for reconstructive surgery.

“Akin has a UCL injury…We’ll know more on Tuesday, see what Dr. Meister thinks and go from there,” Albernaz said.

Akin, who missed the first month of the season with a left groin injury, is 0-1 with a 5.58 ERA in 24 games

Rotation reboot

Albernaz said that he and his pitching staff will spend part of the All-Star break analyzing the starting rotation and – perhaps – reordering it for the start of the non-mathematical second half of the season.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to reset the rotation,’’ he said. “See where the guys are at and make the proper adjustments.”

The four days off affords him the possibility of front-loading the order or using the time to give some of the starters even longer breaks to rest up for the final 11 weeks or the season.

Note: Right-handed pitcher Yaramil Hiraldo, who had been on the 60-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation was reinstated and optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Hiraldo had a 21.60 ERA in three games before his injury. The 40-man  roster is now full.

Orioles-Royals lineups

Orioles

Gunnar Henderson SS

Adley Rutschman C

Taylor Ward  LF

Pete Alonso 1B

Samuel Basallo DH

Tyler O’Neill RF

Coby Mayo 3B

Jackson Holliday 2B

Leody Taveras CF

 

Kyle Bradish RHP

 

Royals

Carter Jensen C

Bobby Witt Jr.  SS

Jac Cagliaone RF

Lane Thomas CF

Vinnie Pasquatino 1B

Salvador Perez DH

Michael Massey 2B

Nick Loftin 3B

Isaac Collins LF

 

Noah Cameron LHP