Ryan Helsley
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2023Lightning48000751463.13618185862.56
2024Lightning2800011137.22816164423.82
2025Lightning80001019.26221411.86
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 28 2025Helsley recorded a save against the Guardians on Saturday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley got a relatively easy save chance, as he entered in the ninth inning with St. Louis holding a three-run lead. He came through with a stress-free frame, retiring all three batters he faced on 11 pitches. This was Helsley's third straight scoreless appearance following a rough stretch to begin June in which he gave up at least one earned run in four consecutive outings. While he's had some struggles this season, Helsley is tied for 11th in the majors with 16 saves in 21 opportunities.
Jun 24 2025Helsley picked up the save in Tuesday's 8-7 victory over the Cubs, allowing two hits in a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: June has certainly been a dicey stretch for Helsley, who's now yielded two knocks in five of his seven outings this month, but he was able to hang on for his 15th save Tuesday. The hard-throwing right-hander had blown three straight save opportunities prior to successfully converting his past two chances, so that should offer fantasy managers some optimism going forward. Helsey sports a 3.54 ERA and 33:12 K:BB over 28 innings, but his 1.46 WHIP looms as a cause for concern.
Jun 19 2025Helsley earned the save in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the White Sox, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was called upon to protect a 5-4 lead in the ninth and needed just 10 pitches to secure his first save since May 31. It was an encouraging outing for the 30-year-old, who had blown three straight save chances and allowed a run in each of his previous four June appearances. On the season, he's 14-for-19 in save opportunities with a 3.81 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 31:12 K:BB across 26 innings.
Jun 10 2025Helsley dealt with a toe injury on his right foot early in the season that required an uncomfortable insert in his cleat, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The toe issue -- which first cropped up late in spring training -- threw off Helsley's delivery, resulting in less velocity and command. Helsley finished April having allowed four runs with a 10:8 K:BB over 10 innings. The 30-year-old suffered a third straight blown save Monday against the Blue Jays, but Helsley said he feels "great" now, and his velocity is back up, giving him confidence he can bounce back.
Jun 7 2025Helsley (3-0) blew the save but picked up the win in Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Dodgers, allowing one run on two hits while striking out three in the ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Called in to complete a 1-0 shutout in the top of the ninth, the Cardinals closer instead gave up back-to-back singles to Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, then uncorked a wild pitch to bring home the tying run. Helsley then fell into the win when Ben Casparius failed to record an out in the bottom of the ninth. It was the second straight blown save for Helsley and his fourth of the year in 17 opportunities, and through 23 innings he carries a 3.52 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB.
Jun 5 2025Helsley allowed a run on two hits and a walk to take a blown save in a 6-5 extra-inning win over the Royals in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley converted all nine of his save chances in May, allowing three runs over 11 innings with a 13:3 K:BB for the month. He struggled in his first appearance of June after four days without taking the mound. Helsley has been far from elite this year, but he's still finding success with 13 of 16 save chances converted so far. He's added a 3.27 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 23:12 K:BB across 22 innings. His 4.9 BB/9 is well above the 3.1 he posted last year, which largely explains his occasional struggles with run prevention in 2025.
May 31 2025Helsley picked up the save Saturday against the Rangers. He allowed no hits or walks while striking out two over a perfect inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was rock solid Saturday, tossing a clean ninth inning to seal a victory for the Cardinals. The hard-throwing right-hander has converted nine consecutive save opportunities, delivering a scoreless frame in eight of them. On the year, the 30-year-old has a 3.00 ERA and 1.43 WHIP across 21 innings.
May 28 2025Helsley allowed two hits in a scoreless ninth inning to earn his 12th save in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley faced the top of the Orioles' order and worked around two singles to secure the victory. The 30-year-old has converted all eight of his save chances in May, though he's allowed at least one hit in eight of 10 appearances this month. On the year, he's 12-for-14 in save opportunities and owns a 3.15 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 21:11 K:BB across 20 innings.
May 27 2025Helsley allowed a hit and struck out two batters over one inning while earning a save against the Orioles on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley worked around a two-out single by Ramon Urias to finish off the 7-4 victory. It was Helsley's seventh straight save conversion, and he's now 11-for-13 on the year. He lowered his ERA to 3.32 with a 21:11 K:BB through 19 frames. Helsley has posted a 3.00 ERA with seven saves in May.
May 24 2025Helsley (2-0) was credited with the win in Saturday's 6-5 victory over the Diamondbacks, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The official scorer elected to give Helsley the win and not the save, despite the fact that he entered the game with the Cardinals ahead by a run, after both Kyle Leahy and Steven Matz were ineffective in the eighth trying to protect a 4-1 lead. Helsley hasn't been as sharp in 2025 as he was last season, and he sports a 3.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 19:11 K:BB through 18 innings while converting 10 of 12 save chances.
May 23 2025Helsley registered the save in Friday's 4-3 win over Arizona after allowing two runs on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning. He struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It wasn't easy for Helsley, who hung a curveball in the strike zone that left the yard via a two-run homer by Gabriel Moreno. The hard-throwing right-hander was still able to hold on and preserve the victory, successfully converting his 10th save in 12 opportunities on the campaign. Helsley's 1.47 WHIP is a bit concerning, but he does have a respectable 3.71 ERA and 17:10 K:BB over 17 frames and remains St. Louis' go-to weapon in the ninth inning.
May 18 2025Helsley picked up the save Saturday against the Royals. He didn't allow a baserunner or record a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley retired the side in order on 12 pitches as he delivered his sixth straight scoreless outing to tally his ninth save of the campaign. The right-hander's 1.44 WHIP is still a bit high, but overall he's been effective early in 2025 with a 2.81 ERA and 16:10 K:BB over 16 innings.
May 12 2025Helsley struck out two batters in a perfect inning to earn a save against Philadelphia on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley threw nine of 13 pitches for strikes to retire the Phillies' 8-9-1 hitters in order and close out the 3-2 win. He's converted eight of his 10 save chances this season, including four straight. He coughed up at least one run in back-to-back outings April 26 and May 2, but has since turned in four consecutive scoreless innings. Helsley owns a 3.00 ERA with a 16:10 K:BB through 15 frames.
May 10 2025Helsley gave up a hit and walked two batters in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his seventh save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After retiring the first two batters in the ninth, Helsley loaded the bases but was able to escape the jam by getting CJ Abrams to fly out. The Cardinals closer has been putting plenty of traffic on the basepaths this year, leading to two blown saves in nine chances along with a 3.21 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 14:10 K:BB through 14 innings -- numbers which represent a significant step back from his dazzling 2024 campaign.
May 5 2025Helsley earned a save against the Pirates on Monday, allowing two hits and striking out two batters in one scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley entered in the ninth frame with St. Louis up by three runs, and he allowed the tying run to come up to the plate by allowing two singles. However, the veteran right-hander got Bryan Reynolds to strike out looking to escape the threat and notch the save. Helsley had just three saves and two blown saves in April, but he's off to a nice beginning of May with two saves through the first five days of the month.
May 4 2025Helsley allowed a hit and struck out one over a scoreless inning to earn the save in a 6-5 win over the Mets in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Mets pulled within a run in the eighth inning, but Helsley made sure their comeback fell short in the ninth. He had allowed three runs over his last two innings, including a blown save in his outing versus the Brewers on April 26. Helsley hasn't been at his best to begin 2025, pitching to a 3.75 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 11:8 K:BB while converting five of seven save chances this season. He was 49-for-53 in save chances in 2024, but for now, he is not being challenged for the closer role.
Apr 16 2025Helsley earned the save in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Astros, working around a walk in a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley has held opponents scoreless in six of his seven appearances this season while improving to 3-for-4 in save chances after leading the league with 49 saves in 2024. His ERA is down to 2.57, with a 1.57 WHIP and 9:6 K:BB through seven innings to start the campaign.
Apr 11 2025Helsley earned the save after allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning Friday against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Trea Turner brought the possible tying run to the plate with a leadoff single, but Helsley quickly put out the next three batters he faced on just six pitches to protect a 2-0 victory. The hard-throwing right-hander has blown one save and struggled with his control to begin the season, as evidenced by his 1.67 WHIP and 9:5 K:BB over six frames, but Helsley has given up just two runs and remains St. Louis' go-to weapon in save situations.
Apr 6 2025Helsley allowed two runs on a hit and four walks in one inning during Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against Boston. He struck out two and was charged with a blown save in the loss. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley made his first appearance since April 1 and saw his first save chance since March 27. He threw just 16 of 37 pitches for strikes and failed to protect the 4-2 lead. St. Louis would go on to lose in the 10th inning. Helsley hadn't walked a batter this season through three innings, and Sunday was his first time walking multiple batters in an outing since June 24, 2024. His ERA jumped to 4.50, but he maintains a firm grasp on the Cardinals' closer role.
Mar 27 2025Helsley struck out the side and allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was called upon to protect a two-run lead and looked overpowering by touching 101 mph with his fastball to collect his first save of the season. He did surrender a two-out double to Harrison Bader to make things interesting, but Helsley proceeded to strike out Matt Wallner on four pitches to end the game. Helsley could be subject to trade rumors during the summer months, but he should be an elite closing option for now.
Feb 27 2025Helsley said recently that he has not had any discussions with the Cardinals regarding a contract extension, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While Helsley -- who will be a free agent after this season -- said he would "definitely be open" to talking about a long-term deal, he does not expect those discussions to occur anytime soon. The Cardinals will transition from John Mozeliak to Chaim Bloom as their president of baseball operations after the season and are not looking to add to their payroll right now, so an extension for their closer isn't at the forefront of their plans. Helsley will make $8.2 million in 2025 and is a good bet to be dealt at the trade deadline.
Feb 20 2025Helsley appeared to make use of a cutter as part of his arsenal while throwing his first live batting practice of the spring Thursday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley already looks to be fully ramped up in the early stages of the spring; the hard-throwing righty uncorked fastballs clocked at 98 miles per hour for his first three pitches of Thursday's session. He also utilized his curveball and slider as part of his core three-pitch mix and complemented those offerings with a cutter, a pitch he's thrown just six total times during his six-year MLB career, per FanGraphs.com. Helsley will likely continue to experiment with his cutter throughout the spring before determining if he can command the pitch well enough to make it a consistent part of his repertoire heading into the regular season. Whether or not he ultimately expands his arsenal, Hesley shapes up as an upper-tier fantasy closer, coming off a brilliant 2024 season in which he recorded an MLB-leading 49 saves to go with seven wins and excellent ratios (2.04 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 21.1 K-BB%).
Jan 9 2025Helsley agreed to a one-year, $8.2 million contract with the Cardinals on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After leading the majors with 49 saves last season, Helsley has officially earned himself a $4.4 million raise heading into his final year of team control. The 30-year-old reliever also finished 2024 with a 2.04 ERA and 1.10 WHIP alongside a 79:23 K:BB, and he projects as one of the top fantasy closers entering the new year.
Nov 12 2024The Cardinals are not mulling a move to the rotation for Helsley, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All 239 appearances for Helsley at the major-league level have come in relief, but he came up through the minors as a starting pitcher. While there has been some speculation the Cardinals might consider giving the 30-year-old another chance to start, it does not appear that is in the plans following Helsley's major-league-leading 49 saves in 2024. They will, however, reportedly entertain trade offers for Helsley, who is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility.
Sep 27 2024Helsley allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 6-3 win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley set the Cardinals' single-season saves record at 49, surpassing Trevor Rosenthal's 48 in 2015. Helsley has posted a 6.2-inning scoreless streak with seven saves since he took a blown save Sept. 3. The closer is at a 2.04 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 79:23 K:BB through 66.1 innings this season. Helsley's recent workload has been manageable, so it seems likely he'll have an opportunity to go for the 50-save mark if a chance arises in the Cardinals' last two games.
Sep 25 2024Helsley earned a save a Wednesday, inducing a double play on the only pitch he threw against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: St. Louis carried a 5-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth frame, but Matthew Liberatore gave up a leadoff homer to Brenton Doyle and issued a one-out walk to Michael Toglia to prompt Helsley's entrance in a save situation. Helsley didn't take long to extinguish Colorado's hope of a comeback, as Sam Hilliard grounded into a game-ending double play on the right-hander's first pitch. The save was Helsley's league-leading 48th of the campaign, and he has an outside chance of reaching 50 with four games remaining on St. Louis' schedule.
Sep 23 2024Helsley threw a perfect inning and earned a save against Cleveland on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley retired Cleveland's 1-2-3 hitters in order on 11 pitches to close out the 2-1 victory. He moved back ahead of Emmanuel Clase for the solo MLB lead with 47 saves. Helsley has converted five save chances in a row since blowing one in Milwaukee on Sept. 3, and he has not allowed an earned run since Aug. 6. He owns a 2.09 ERA with a 77:23 K:BB through 64.2 innings. Helsley could become the first closer to reach 50 saves since Edwin Diaz in 2018.
Sep 21 2024Helsley earned a save against the Guardians on Saturday, striking out all three batters he faced in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley had just a one-run lead to work with upon entering in the ninth frame, but he made things look easy by notching three punchouts on 12 pitches. The right-hander continued an excellent season during which he's tied for the major-league lead with 46 saves while posting a 2.12 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 77:23 K:BB over 63.2 innings. Helsley has really had his strikeout stuff working of late, as he's registered multiple punchouts in five of his past six appearances and has posted a 15:1 K:BB over seven frames during that stretch.
Sep 17 2024Helsley allowed a hit and struck out two over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley is up to 45 saves this season, though he's earned just three of them in September amid the Cardinals' struggles to find leads. He's allowed just one unearned run over his last 14 innings, posting a 19:3 K:BB in that span. The closer has enjoyed an excellent season despite pitching on a middling team, maintaining a 2.15 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 74:23 K:BB over 62.2 innings.
Sep 11 2024Helsley struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley retired the side on a tidy eight pitches (five strikes) to earn his 44th save of the season, retaking a share of the major-league lead with Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase. Over his last 14 appearances, Helsley has given up just two runs (one earned) over 15 innings, converting 11 of his 12 save chances in that span. He's pitched to a 2.19 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 72:23 K:BB through 61.2 innings this season.
Sep 7 2024Helsley allowed a hit and struck out three over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 2-0 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was able to make Pedro Pages' two-run home run in the eighth inning stand as the winning hit. Helsley blew his last save chance Tuesday versus the Brewers, but that was by allowing the initial runner to score in the 11th inning. He has not given up an earned run since Aug. 6, going 8-for-9 in save opportunities while yielding just eight hits and three walks with 16 strikeouts over 12 innings since that date. For the year, Helsley has a 2.23 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 71:23 K:BB with 43 saves in 47 attempts over 60.2 innings.
Sep 3 2024Helsley (7-4) blew the save but collected the win in Tuesday's extra-innings victory against the Brewers. He allowed one unearned run on one hit and no walks with four strikeouts over two innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The St. Louis flamethrower entered the 11th inning but was unable to hold a one-run lead, allowing the automatic runner to score on a Willy Adames double after striking out the first two batters. Helsley was then allowed to return in the 12th after the Cardinals scored three runs in the top of the inning and promptly set down all three batters faced. The All-Star closer has now gone 42-for-46 in save opportunities while pitching to a 2.41 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 68:23 K:BB across 59.2 innings this season.
Aug 31 2024Helsley earned the save against the Yankees on Saturday, allowing one hit and one walk with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was summoned to protect a 6-5 lead in the ninth frame and struck out Austin Wells with two runners on to earn his league-leading 42nd save. The 30-year-old has allowed just one earned run in his past 10 outings and owns a 2.34 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 64:23 K:BB across 57.2 innings this season.
Aug 29 2024Helsley earned the save Thursday, turning in a perfect ninth inning in a 4-1 win over San Diego. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley has now gone eight straight innings without allowing a run, lowering his ERA to 2.38 on the season with a 1.18 WHIP and 62:22 K:BB across 56.2 frames. He's converted an MLB-leading 41 saves in 44 chances.
Aug 28 2024Helsley (6-4) earned the win Wednesday over the Padres, allowing a hit and striking out two over a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley kept the game tied at 3-3 in the ninth inning, and the Cardinals walked it off with a Nolan Arenado single in the bottom of the ninth. This was Helsley's seventh scoreless outing in a row, a span in which he's allowed five hits and two walks while striking out seven. He's at a 2.43 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 62:22 K:BB through 55.2 innings overall, and he's the only pitcher in the majors at the 40-save mark this year, which is impressive given the Cardinals are 66-67 after Wednesday's win.
Aug 25 2024Helsley picked up the save Sunday, allowing one hit over a scoreless ninth inning against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley worked around a leadoff single in the ninth to secure his major-league leading 40th save. Helsley has seen a bit of a decline in his peripherals this season, posting his lowest K/BB and K/9 rates along with his highest ERA and WHIP since 2021. That said, he remains one of the best relievers in the game and has been lights out in the ninth, closing the door on all but three save chances this season.
Aug 22 2024Helsley allowed one hit during a scoreless ninth inning to pick up the save Thursday against the Brewers. He did not strike out a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley allowed a one-out single but otherwise breezed in closing out the three-run victory. It marked his league-leading 39th save of the season, more than doubling his previous career high of 19 back in 2022. Helsley has been especially dominant over his last 18 games, posting a 1.93 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 18 strikeouts, 12 saves (14 opportunities) and three wins over 18.2 innings.
Aug 21 2024Helsley (5-4) struck out two and didn't put a runner on base in a scoreless inning to earn the extra-inning win over the Brewers on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley had two strikeouts and a groundout to strand the initial runner at third base in the top of the 10th inning, and the Cardinals rallied for a walk-off win on Nolan Arenado's grand slam in the bottom of the frame. This was Helsley's fourth consecutive scoreless appearance after he allowed four runs over 2.2 innings to begin August. For the season, the St. Louis closer has a 2.56 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 60:22 K:BB while converting 38 of 41 save chances across 52.2 innings.
Aug 18 2024Helsley picked up the save over the Dodgers on Saturday, striking out one over a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley made short work of the middle of the Dodgers' lineup, retiring the side in order on just six pitches after entering the contest with a three-run lead in the ninth. It marked the 38th save for the right-hander, which leads the majors, and it was only the second time this month in which he didn't allow any hits or walks. Helsley has now converted each of his last five save opportunities, posting a 4:3 K:BB over that stretch.
Aug 10 2024Helsley gave up a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 37th save of the season in an 8-5 win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It didn't look like Helsley's services would be needed headed into the late innings, but the Cardinals scored twice in the eighth and ninth frames to erase a 5-4 deficit. The St. Louis closer then made things interesting by bring the tying run to the plate with one out, but he coaxed a double play grounder out of Vinnie Pasquantino to end the night. Helsley has worked three of the last four days, likely making him unavailable Saturday, but he racked up saves in each appearance to extend his major-league lead in saves over Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase (33).
Aug 7 2024Helsley allowed a hit and a walk while striking out two over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley allowed multiple baserunners for the third time in four appearances in August, but he was able to work out of the jam to earn his second save in as many days. Since the start of July, he's given up 11 hits and five walks over 11.2 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) while converting six of eight save chances in that span. The prolonged shakiness has led to his ratios looking less dominant than they did early in the year, but he's still posted a 2.72 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 57:21 K:BB across 49.2 innings while converting 36 of 40 save chances.
Aug 3 2024Helsley earned the save against the Cubs on Saturday, retiring all three batters he faced in the ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was summoned to protect a 5-4 lead in the ninth inning and did so on just nine pitches. He rebounded from a blown save Thursday and surpassed Emmanuel Clase for the major-league lead in saves with 34. On the season, the 30-year-old owns a 2.64 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 54:19 K:BB across 47.2 innings.
Aug 2 2024Helsley (4-4) blew the save and was charged with the loss against the Cubs on Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits over two-thirds of an inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley entered the contest with a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and retired the first batter on a groundout before surrendering a solo homer to Cody Bellinger. He would then allow three of the next four batters to reach as the Cubs took the game in dramatic fashion. It marked Helsley's third blown save on the season while the loss was his fourth. He had not allowed an earned run in 10 straight appearances coming into Thursday's loss, though he's now failed to convert two of his last four save opportunities.
Jul 28 2024Helsley (4-3) allowed a hit in a scoreless inning, earning the win over the Nationals on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley kept the game tied in the top of the ninth inning, and Paul Goldschmidt delivered a walk-off solo home run a half-inning later. This was just the seventh appearance of the month for Helsley, as the Cardinals' shaky play over the last three weeks have left him with inconsistent closing opportunities. He's still leading the National League -- and tied for the first in the majors -- with 33 saves while pitching to a 2.15 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 54:19 K:BB through 46 innings this season.
Jul 23 2024Helsley earned the save in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Pirates, striking out the side in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley's decision to get some extra rest during the All-Star break appeared to pay off Tuesday. The right-hander struck out the side on just 13 pitches, earning his league-leading 33rd save. Helsley has now delivered nine straight scoreless innings -- he's allowed just five hits while striking out 11 in that span. Overall, his ERA is down to 2.25 across 44 innings this season with a 1.16 WHIP and 53:18 K:BB.
Jul 15 2024Helsley was replaced Monday by Kyle Finnegan on the National League All-Star Game roster. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley indicated to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he wasn't likely to pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game and instead wished to take the full break for rest and recovery. The 29-year-old closer confirmed he was healthy and is merely monitoring his workload, having already appeared in 41 games and thrown 42.0 innings this season. Helsley's career high in appearances is 54, and he hasn't pitched more than 64.2 innings in an individual season.
Jul 14 2024Helsley recorded his 32nd save of the season Saturday, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning during the second game of a doubleheader sweep of the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After blowing a save July 5, Helsley got an extended rest and bounced back with a strong performance. The right-hander has hardly been struggling lately though -- he's allowed earned runs in only one of his last 12 appearances, posting a 1.38 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 16:9 K:BB over 13 innings during that stretch. Helsley's 32 saves leads the majors, three clear of the Guardians' Emmanuel Clase, and that impressive first half has earned him his second career All-Star Game berth.
Jul 5 2024Helsley (3-3) earned the win and blew a save against the Nationals on Friday, allowing one unearned run on two hits and a walk with no strikeouts over two innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was summoned to protect a 6-5 lead in the 10th inning but allowed the automatic runner to score. He was brought back out with another one-run lead in the eleventh and was able to secure the win in his first multi-inning effort of the season. On the year, the closer leads the league with 31 saves and owns a 2.41 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 47:17 K:BB over 41 innings.
Jul 2 2024Helsley earned a save against the Pirates on Tuesday, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was asked to protect a 7-4 lead in the ninth inning and did so on 17 pitches. He leads the league with 31 saves and has not blown a save chance since his first outing of the season. Through 38 innings, the 29-year-old owns a 2.54 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 47:16 K:BB.
Jun 30 2024Helsley struck out two batters in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save over Cincinnati on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley efficiently rolled through the Reds' 2-3-4 hitters with just 10 pitches. He extended his MLB save lead and became the first pitcher in the 2024 season to reach 30 saves. He's converted those 30 saves consecutively after blowing his first opportunity of the year March 30. Helsley is sporting a 2.61 ERA with a 46:16 K:BB through 38 innings.
Jun 28 2024Helsley struck out one batter in a perfect inning to earn a save over the Reds on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley had about as efficient of an outing as possible, needing only six pitches to close out the 1-0 game. It was his 29th save in 30 tries this season and he lowered his June ERA to 3.00 through 12 appearances. Helsley leads all of baseball in saves and no one else has more than 25. He dropped his season ERA to 2.68 alongside a 44:16 K:BB.
Jun 26 2024Helsley allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless inning to earn the save in a 4-1 win over Atlanta in Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley allowed two runs in Monday's game versus Atlanta, but he was able to keep his save streak going. The right-hander has converted his last 28 save attempts after blowing his first chance of the year. He's now at a 2.75 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 43:16 K:BB through 36 innings. Helsley has allowed six hits and issued 10 walks over 11 innings in June, but he's been scored on in just two of his 11 appearances this month, so his place as the Cardinals' closer is not in doubt.
Jun 25 2024Helsley allowed two runs on two hits and two walks in the ninth inning Monday, striking out two and earning a save against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley loaded the bases with just one out but managed to escape with a save in the 4-3 win. It was the second time this month he's allowed multiple runs in an appearance, and the third time in his last 13 outings. Despite the recent shakiness, Helsley has converted 27 consecutive save chances since blowing his first opportunity of the year. He owns a 2.83 ERA and a 42:15 K:BB through 35 innings.
Jun 23 2024Helsley picked up the save Sunday against San Francisco, striking out two batters during a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley now has two more saves than any other closer and is now 26-for-27 on save chances this season. While he's been able to dodge blown saves, Helsley has had to work through plenty of trouble lately, allowing multiple baserunners in seven of his last 12 appearances. Still, the 29-year-old holds a 2.38 ERA and a 40:13 K:BB across 34.0 innings this season.
Jun 21 2024Helsley picked up the save over the Giants on Thursday, allowing one hit and one walk over one inning while striking out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley took over in the ninth to protect a one-run lead and proceeded to walk the leadoff man while also coughing up a single three batters later. However, the right-hander rebounded nicely, striking out Matt Chapman to stop the late rally and earn his league-leading 25th save of the season. Helsley has converted each of his last four save opportunities, though he's also issued at least one walk in three consecutive outings.
Jun 16 2024Helsley allowed two walks during a scoreless ninth inning to pick up the save Sunday against the Cubs. He struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley tossed just 11 of 23 pitches for strikes and started behind in the count to four of five batters he faced but still managed to finish off the game for the Cardinals when a drive to the gap by pinch-hitter Patrick Wisdom with two on was snagged by Brendan Donovan to preserve the win. It was another shaky outing for Helsley, who has struggled recently with his command, walking four over his last two appearances. Despite the recent trouble, he maintains an ERA of 2.53 and has converted each of his last 24 save opportunities, last blowing a save March 30 during his first appearance of the season.
Jun 14 2024Helsley worked around a pair of walks in the ninth inning to earn the save in Friday's 3-0 win over the Cubs. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After recording the first two outs in the ninth, Helsley issued consecutive walks to Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ before ultimately striking out Nico Hoerner to close out the shutout victory while earning his MLB-leading 23rd save of the year. Helsley has yet to blow a save since March 30, his first appearance of the season. His ERA is down to 2.61 with a 1.13 WHIP and 35:10 K:BB across 31 innings.
Jun 12 2024Helsley allowed one hit and struck out one batter over a scoreless inning to earn a save against the Pirates on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley had a rough outing Tuesday against Pittsburgh, giving up two runs over one frame to take the loss. He was right back on the mound the next day and bounced back nicely, working around a leadoff single to finish off the victory. Helsley has converted 22 straight save chances since blowing a save in his first opportunity of the campaign, and the 22 saves overall leads all major-league pitchers.
Jun 11 2024Helsley (2-3) took the loss Tuesday against Pittsburgh, allowing two runs on one hit and two walks with a strikeout over one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley took the mound in the top of the ninth with the score 0-0, but couldn't keep the game at a stalemate. The 29-year-old walked Jack Suwinski, yielded a single to Andrew McCutchen and walked Bryan Reynolds to load the bases with no outs. Suwinski and McCutchen ended up coming around to score before Helsley was able to record three outs, marking the closer's first loss since April 19 and bumping his ERA up from 2.25 to 2.79 through 29.0 innings.
Jun 7 2024Helsley picked up the save in Friday's 8-5 victory over Colorado. He pitched a perfect inning with two strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley handily retired all three batters faced in his third consecutive scoreless outing to gather his league-leading 21st save. The Cardinals closer has been stellar, suffering just one blown save in his 28 total appearances. Overall, the 29-year-old flamethrower sports a 2.25 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 31:6 K:BB in 28 innings this season.
Jun 5 2024Helsley earned the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Astros, recording a pair of strikeouts in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley's now delivered back-to-back scoreless innings, striking out four in that span, after allowing four runs in his previous three appearances. The 29-year-old Helsley is now the first in the majors to reach to 20-save mark. His ERA is down to 2.33 with a 1.07 WHIP and 29:6 K:BB across 27 innings this season.
Jun 2 2024Helsley struck out two without allowing a hit or a walk in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 5-4 extra-inning win over the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A flyout allowed the initial runner to advance to third base, but Helsley struck out the next two batters to close this game. It was encouraging to see the 29-year-old have a dominant outing after allowing four runs over his previous three appearances. He's earned a save in eight straight outings despite his recent shakiness, and he still has a 2.42 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 27:6 K:BB over 26 innings while converting 19 of 20 save chances this season.
May 29 2024Helsley earned the save in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Reds, allowing a run on a hit and two walks in the ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Protecting a three-run lead in the ninth, Helsley allowed the first two batters to reach. He'd allow a run on a Tyler Stephenson sacrifice fly before ultimately getting Elly De La Cruz to ground out with the tying runs on base. Helsley has now converted 18 straight save chances despite allowing at least one run in his last three appearances. Overall, the 29-year-old right-hander sports a 2.52 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP and 25:6 K:BB over 25 innings this season.
May 27 2024Helsley allowed a run on three hits in one inning but earned the save in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Cubs. He struck out a batter in the outing. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley ran into trouble against the Cubs for the second consecutive night and was still able to escape with a save. He allowed a leadoff home run to Ian Happ and then gave up back-to-back two-out singles before getting Seiya Suzuki to end things with a fly out. That's now seven hits and three runs given up by Helsley over his last two appearances, though both still turned into saves. He's tied with Emmanuel Clase atop baseball with 17 saves and still owns excellent overall numbers with a 2.25 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 25:4 K:BB in 24 innings.
May 25 2024Helsley allowed two runs on four hits in one inning to earn the save in Saturday's 7-6 win over the Cubs. He did not walk or strike out a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley had gone 11 innings without allowing a run, and he hadn't given up multiple hits in an appearance since April 27. Luckily for the Cardinals, they gave him a three-run lead to protect, and he had just enough runway to do so despite the laborious outing. Helsley is 16-for-17 in save chances this season with a 1.96 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 24:4 K:BB over 23 innings. His lone blown save came in his season debut, and he remains one of the top closers in baseball despite playing for a mediocre team.
May 22 2024Helsley walked one and struck out one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The game was suspended due to inclement weather Tuesday and resumed Wednesday, which likely means he'll be unavailable for Wednesday's regularly scheduled contest. Nolan Gorman hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to give the Cardinals a lead, and Helsley was able to close it out for his 15th save of the season. He extended his scoreless streak to 11 innings and now has a 1.23 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 24:4 K:BB over 22 innings this season.
May 20 2024Helsley walked one and struck out none over a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Monday's 6-3 win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley hadn't pitched since last Tuesday, but he didn't show much rust. The closer is on a 10-inning scoreless streak, and he's earned seven saves and a win in that span. For the season, he's 14-for-15 in save chances with a 2-2 record, a 1.29 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 23:3 K:BB over 21 innings. Helsley's strong pitching has helped him go unquestioned as the Cardinals' closer this year, though the team's 21-26 record leaves some doubt as to if he can keep picking up saves at such a strong pace.
May 14 2024Helsley allowed a hit and struck out two without walking a batter in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley has a win and six saves during his nine-inning scoreless streak, a span that's seen him allowed six hits and one walk while striking out 11. The right-hander is 13-for-14 in save chances this season with a 1.35 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 23:2 K:BB over 20 innings. Helsley seems to be benefiting from being the stand-alone closer as opposed to part of a committee. His career high in saves is 19 in 2022, a mark he should be able to shatter as long as he doesn't add to his lengthy injury history.
May 12 2024Helsley struck out two batters in a perfect inning and earned a save over Milwaukee on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley needed only 12 pitches (10 strikes) to quickly close out the 4-3 victory. Since blowing a save in his season debut, he's converted 12 consecutive chances. During that stretch, Helsley has given up just one earned run over 18 frames, lowering his season ERA to 1.42 alongside a 21:2 K:BB.
May 3 2024Helsley tossed a perfect inning to earn a save over the White Sox on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsely retired the 2-3-4 hitters in the White Sox lineup with just eight pitches to secure the 3-0 win. Since blowing a save chance in his season debut, Helsley has converted 11 consecutive opportunities while allowing one earned run over 16 innings. He owns a 1.59 ERA with a terrific 19:2 K:BB this season.
Apr 30 2024Helsley struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Tuesday to record his 10th save of the season in the first game of a doubleheader against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All 10 pitches Helsley fired were strikes, and he hit triple digits on the radar gun with three of them. The right-hander has been lights out to begin the season, converting 10 of 11 save chances with a 1.69 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 19:2 K:BB through 16 innings.
Apr 27 2024Helsley struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to notch his ninth save of the season in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley made things interesting as he tried to protect a three-run advantage, loading the bases on two singles and a walk. However, with Francisco Lindor representing the go-ahead run he got the shortstop to pop out on the first pitch to end it. Helsley is 9-for-10 in save opportunities on the season and boasts a 1.80 ERA and 17:2 K:BB across 15 innings.
Apr 23 2024Helsley (2-2) earned the win Monday versus the Diamondbacks, allowing one hit and striking out one without walking a batter in a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley has allowed just one unearned run over his last six appearances, though that led to a loss. He was able to back into the win Monday, keeping the game tied in the top of the ninth inning before Nolan Gorman hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the frame. Through 12 appearances, Helsley has a 2.25 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 13:1 K:BB while converting seven of his eight save chances.
Apr 20 2024Helsley (1-2) allowed an unearned run on one hit over one inning to take the extra-inning loss versus the Brewers on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was brought in for the top of the 10th inning and gave up an RBI single to William Contreras. While it wasn't a save situation, it ended a four-inning scoreless streak for Helsley. The right-hander is 7-for-8 in saves while adding a 2.45 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 12:1 K:BB over 11 innings. He continues to operate as a traditional closer rather than in a committee as he had in previous years.
Apr 17 2024Helsley earned another save Tuesday against the Athletics, striking out a batter in a perfect inning of work. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley shut down the A's in the ninth on consecutive nights to pick up his league-leading seventh save of the year. He's been perfect over his last four outings, allowing no hits while boasting a 7:0 K:BB and converting all four of his save chances. After pitching back-to-back nights, it's likely Helsley gets Wednesday off, which could put Andrew Kittredge or Giovanny Gallegos in line for a save chance.
Apr 15 2024Helsley earned a save against the Athletics on Monday, striking out two batters in a perfect inning of work. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley had no trouble slamming the door on Oakland in the bottom of the ninth frame, retiring the side on just 10 pitches, four of which were swinging strikes. After blowing his first save chance of the campaign against the Dodgers on March 30, the right-hander has been successful on each of his subsequent six attempts, and he's held the opponent scoreless in seven of his past eight outings. On the season, Helsley has an impressive 11:1 K:BB over nine innings.
Apr 12 2024Helsley struck out two batters in a perfect inning and earned a save against the Diamondbacks on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley worked quickly Friday, needing just 11 pitches to finish off the 9-6 win. He's now converted five of his six save chances through eight appearances. He lowered his ERA to 3.38 with a strong 9:1 K:BB. Helsley has punched out four batters in two perfect frames since taking a loss against the Phillies on April 8.
Apr 10 2024Helsley earned his fourth save Tuesday in a win over the Phillies after tossing a scoreless ninth inning. He did not allow a baserunner and struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley shut the door on the Phillies with a perfect inning and secured the shutout for the Cardinals. He's now tied with four others for the second-most saves in baseball with four and has allowed just one run over his last six innings.
Apr 8 2024Helsley (1-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit and one walk over one inning, taking the extra-inning loss Monday versus the Phillies. He did not record a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was brought in to pitch the 10th inning, but he gave up an RBI double to Alec Bohm and a sacrifice fly to Bryson Stott after intentionally walking Bryce Harper with one out. This was the first time Helsley has given up runs since he blew a save March 30 versus the Dodgers. All six of the right-hander's appearances have been one inning so far -- in previous years, he's been tasked with getting more than three outs, but manager Oliver Marmol told reporters Sunday that Helsley will not be doing that as often in 2024, per Katie Woo of The Athletic. Helsley has a 4.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 5:1 K:BB while converting three of his four save chances so far this season.
Apr 6 2024Helsley gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his third save of the season in a 3-1 win over the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander needed only six pitches (five strikes) to breeze through the middle of Miami's order. Helsley has blown one save chance already, but he has a 5:0 K:BB through 5.0 innings and has reeled off four straight scoreless appearances. If he can stay healthy in 2024, he should be able to top the career-high 19 saves he produced in 2022.
Apr 4 2024Helsley struck out one in a perfect ninth inning against the Marlins on Thursday to earn his second save of the season. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After allowing a pair of runs in a blown save versus the Dodgers in his first outing this year, Helsley's now delivered three straight scoreless appearances while earning a pair of saves. Helsley should have a fairly firm grasp on the closing job in St. Louis after he went 14-for-19 in save chances with a 2.45 ERA and 52:17 K:BB last season.
Apr 3 2024Helsley snared the save Tuesday, yielding one hit and no walks during a scoreless inning. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since allowing a pair of runs and blowing the save in his first appearance of the new season, Helsley has put together back-to-back scoreless frames against San Diego. Considering the 29-year-old has generated ERAs of 2.45 and 1.25 the past two seasons, Helsley's blown save should be much of a concern.
Mar 31 2024Helsley (1-0) blew a save but earned the win over the Dodgers on Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and no walks while striking out two batters over one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cardinals turned the ball over to Helsley while holding a 5-3 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, but the closer couldn't slam the door on the Dodgers. He gave up a one-out solo homer to Mookie Betts, then surrendered three straight two-out singles to allow the tying run to cross the plate. Helsley did manage to move the game to extra innings by striking out Teoscar Hernandez for the third out, and he ended up as the winning pitcher when the Cardinals pulled out the victory in the 10th frame. Helsley has pitched well enough in a closing role over the past two campaigns to have some grace despite Saturday's blown save, but it's worth noting that Giovanny Gallegos -- who has also worked as a closer for the Cardinals in recent years -- eventually secured the save Saturday and looms as a viable ninth-inning alternative should Helsley struggle early.
Mar 3 2024Helsley has allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three over two innings across two Grapefruit League appearances. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley enters 2024 with a tentative grasp on the closing role in St. Louis. A forearm injury derailed his 2023, though he was solid with 14 saves and a 2.45 ERA over 36.2 innings last season. The Cardinals have retooled their bullpen a bit, but Helsley should remain the favorite for saves to begin the campaign.
Jan 11 2024Helsley signed a one-year, $3.8 million contract with the Cardinals on Thursday to avoid arbitration, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A forearm strain forced Helsley to miss roughly three months of the 2023 campaign, but he still managed to accumulate 14 saves while posting a 2.45 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 36.2 innings. The 29-year-old righty surrendered just one run and struck out 19 batters in 11.2 innings after returning from his injury and should again close for the Cardinals in 2024.
Oct 1 2023Helsley allowed two hits and struck out two over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley got the job done despite a bit of a shaky outing. While he lost nearly three months to a forearm injury, Helsley was sharp when healthy. He converted 14 of 19 save chances this year but also maintained a 2.45 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 52:17 K:BB across 36.2 innings while working as the Cardinals' primary closer when available.
Sep 26 2023Helsley picked up the save in Tuesday's 4-1 victory over the Brewers. He struck out three over a perfect inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley struck out all three batters he faced Tuesday to nab his 13th save of the season. The performance was a perfect bounceback after Helskley walked three batters and blew a save in his last appearance. In September, Helsley owns a 0.84 ERA and a 17:6 K:BB with six saves across 10.2 innings
Sep 23 2023Helsley allowed a run on three walks and struck out two over 1.1 innings, taking a blown save in Saturday's 5-2 extra-innings win over the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was called upon for a four-out save opportunity, but he faltered in a wild ninth inning. He threw 15 of 30 pitches for strikes in this appearances. Helsley is now 12-for-17 in save chances this season while posting a 2.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 47:17 K:BB over 34.2 innings. He had pitched 8.1 scoreless innings and converted five saves since returning from a forearm injury before Saturday's sloppy outing.
Sep 19 2023Helsley pitched 1.1 perfect innings and struck out two to earn the save in Monday's 1-0 win over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley's last six outings have come in three pairs of back-to-back days. He's gone 8.1 innings without allowing a run since returning from a forearm injury, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out 12 in that span. The closer is up to 12 saves, two holds and four blown saves while pitching to a 2.43 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 45:14 K:BB through 33.1 innings this season.
Sep 18 2023Helsley pitched a scoreless ninth while allowing a hit, a walk and striking out two en route to his 11th save of the year. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley pitched himself out of some slight trouble after the Phillies had men on first and second with one out. The 28-year-old has returned to old form since coming off the injured list, allowing just two hits and owning a 10:3 K:BB over seven scoreless frames while picking up four saves over the last eight days.
Sep 14 2023Helsley picked up the save Wednesday against the Orioles. He allowed one hit while striking out two over a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After striking out the first two batters in the ninth, Helsley gave up a two-out triple to Gunnar Henderson before getting Aaron Hicks to pop out, preserving a 1-0 shutout victory. Henderson's triple was the first hit surrendered by Helsley since he returned from the IL on Sep. 1. He's been dominant in that span, earning three saves over six scoreless innings while striking out eight. Overall, Helsley improved to 10-for-14 in save opportunities with a 2.61 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 41:13 K:BB across 31 innings this season.
Sep 13 2023Helsley picked up the save in Tuesday's win over Baltimore, tossing a perfect inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley needed just seven pitches to set down the top of Baltimore's lineup in order, securing a 5-2 victory. The 29-year-old flamethrower has successfully converted the Cardinals' last two save opportunities, posting five consecutive scoreless appearances since his return from injury Sept. 1. As of now, Helsley seems to have returned to primary closing duties for the Cardinals.
Sep 9 2023Helsley earned a save against the Reds on Saturday, walking one batter and notching one strikeout over one scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley entered with a one-run lead in the ninth inning and walked the first batter he faced but quickly rebounded to induce a double-play groundout. He then worked a full count to Will Benson before ending the contest with a punchout. This was Helsley's first save opportunity since he returned from an extended stay on the injured list Sept. 1. The right-hander has been excellent since being activated, posting a 6:2 K:BB while allowing just one hit over four scoreless frames.
Sep 1 2023The Cardinals reinstated Helsley (forearm) from the 60-day injured list Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley landed on the injured list in mid-June with a right forearm strain. Given that he has been sidelined for nearly three months and performed poorly (4 ER over 4.1 IP) during his rehab assignment, the Cardinals will likely limit him to a lower-leverage role out of the gate. Brendan Donovan (elbow) was moved to the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move.
Aug 30 2023Helsley (forearm) is on track to be activated from the 60-day injured list Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley had initially hoped to return Wednesday, but the Cardinals will hold off until rosters expand to make the move. The reliever has had multiple starts and stops as he works his way back from a right forearm strain, but his return is now imminent. It's possible Helsley works his way back into closing situations, although it probably wouldn't happen right away considering he's been sidelined since early June. JoJo Romero has been the primary closer for the Cards of late, with Giovanny Gallegos also in the mix.
Aug 28 2023Helsley (forearm) said he's expecting to be activated from the 60-day injured list Wednesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was recently pulled off his minor-league assignment for about a week after experiencing pain in his forearm during his Aug. 18 outing with Double-A Springfield, but he rejoined the affiliate over the weekend and made a one-inning appearance Sunday, giving up two earned runs on three hits while striking out a batter. Though he wasn't at his sharpest Sunday, Helsey indicated that so long as he bounces back well from that rehab outing when he's re-evaluated Monday and Tuesday, he'll be on track to rejoin the St. Louis bullpen by the middle of the week. Helsley logged seven saves in 11 chances before landing on the IL in June, but the Cardinals could elect to ease him back into the closer role coming off the lengthy absence.
Aug 22 2023Helsley was cleared of any structural damage in his right forearm Tuesday following another MRI, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Aug 21 2023Helsley (forearm) "is undergoing another round of tests and evaluation," according to John Denton of MLB.com. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Aug 17 2023Helsley (forearm) will resume his rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Memphis, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Aug 16 2023Helsley 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 of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Aug 15 2023Helsley (forearm) won't make a scheduled minor-league rehab appearance Wednesday due to soreness, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: There's no word yet as to the severity of the setback, but Helsley now seems doubtful to return to the St. Louis bullpen at any point this week. Sidelined since June 12 because of a right forearm strain, he had allowed two earned runs through three one-inning rehab appearances with Double-A Springfield. Giovanny Gallegos and JoJo Romero have been sharing the Cardinals' closer role in recent weeks.
Aug 4 2023Helsely (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield on Sunday, Jim Hayes of Bally Sports Midwest reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley has been on the injured list since mid-June with a right forearm strain and is now set to complete the final steps in his recovery. 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. Once he's back, the right-hander will likely take over as St. Louis' primary closer, though Giovanny Gallegos may offer some competition for saves.
Aug 2 2023Helsley (forearm) faced hitters in live batting practice Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Jul 27 2023Helsley (forearm) will throw another bullpen session Saturday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Jul 24 2023Helsley (forearm) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Jul 19 2023Helsley (forearm) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Jun 28 2023Helsley (forearm) was cleared to begin a throwing program Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Jun 25 2023Manager 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. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Jun 13 2023Helsley (forearm) underwent a second round of imaging scans Tuesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Jun 12 2023Tests on Helsley's injured right forearm came back negative, but he will be shut down for several days, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Jun 7 2023Helsley struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
May 29 2023Helsley (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. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 27 2023Helsley (3-3) struck out one over 1.1 perfect innings to earn the win Saturday versus the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 23 2023Helsley 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. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 21 2023Helsley (2-2) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out two over one inning, earning the win Saturday over the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 18 2023Helsley recorded a save against the Brewers on Wednesday, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter over 1.1 scoreless innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley entered in the eighth inning and retired one batter, then worked around a walk and a single in the ninth to close out the contest. The right-hander was plenty rested after pitching just once over the previous eight days, and he earned his fifth save of the campaign. Helsley has blown three saves, but his overall numbers are strong, as he's posted a 2.55 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 22:6 K:BB over 17.2 innings.
May 12 2023Helsley (1-2) retired all six batters he faced and earned a win over Boston on Friday. He struck out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley entered the eighth inning with two runners on base and allowed an inherited runner to score the go-ahead run on a groundout. The Cardinals took the lead back in the ninth and Helsley struck out the side to finish off the game. He's registered an 8:1 K:BB with zero earned runs over his last seven frames. Helsley's season ERA has dropped to 2.76 through 14 appearances.
May 8 2023Helsley retired all four batters he faced and earned a save over the Cubs on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley fired 17 of 23 pitches for strikes and faced no danger while finishing off the 3-1 win. After blowing his last two save chances, he converted his first one since April 12. The 28-year-old has lowered his season ERA to 3.14 with five straight scoreless innings.
May 7 2023Helsley (knee) said he's a "full go" for Sunday's game against the Tigers, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley didn't allow a run over two-thirds of an inning Friday versus Detroit but wasn't available for Saturday's contest due to some soreness around his surgically repaired left knee, though it's apparently not much of a concern. The 28-year-old righty has given up runs in just two of his 11 outings this season, though he's only 3-for-6 in save chances and has a somewhat bloated 3.75 ERA since he allowed five runs between those two contests.
May 6 2023Helsley was unavailable to pitch Saturday due to knee soreness, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was noticeably absent from the mound in Saturday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Tigers. According to manager Oli Marmol, the right-hander is dealing with knee pain, which is not considered to be serious. The team is hopeful that Helsley will be able to go in Sunday's series finale with Detroit.
Apr 1 2023Helsley gave up two hits and struck out two over 1.2 scoreless innings Saturday to record his first save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After blowing his first save chance of the year Thursday, Helsley was called upon to quell a Toronto rally in the top of the eighth, then stayed in the game and created a jam of his own in the ninth before escaping. The right-hander is coming off an outstanding 2022 in which he recorded 19 saves, and with Giovanny Gallegos (back) currently unavailable, Helsley doesn't have much competition for ninth-inning work even if he continues to run into trouble.
Mar 30 2023Helsley (0-1) blew the save and took the loss in Thursday's 10-9 loss against the Blue Jays. He allowed two runs on two hits and one walk without a strikeout in his one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tasked with nailing down a 9-8 win, Helsley proceeded to walk the first batter he faced before surrendering back-to-back singles to blow the save. Vladimir Guerrero later gave the Blue Jays the lead with a sacrifice fly, sticking Helsley with the loss. Jordan Hicks had already blown a lead himself the prior inning while Giovanny Gallegos (back) did not appear in the game.
Mar 15 2023Helsley struck out all three batters he faced in a Grapefruit League appearance Wednesday against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley did the same in his previous Grapefruit League outing Sunday versus the Nationals. The hard-throwing 28-year-old carries top-tier fantasy closer upside into the 2023 campaign after dominating to the tune of a 1.25 ERA with 94 strikeouts over 64.2 regular-season innings for the Cardinals in 2022. He jammed his right middle finger just before the playoffs and aggravated it in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Phillies, but there has been no apparent carryover this spring.
Feb 16 2023Helsley lost his arbitration case against the Cardinals and will make $2.15 million in 2023, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley had asked for a $3 million salary in his first turn through arbitration eligibility. The right-hander registered a dominant 1.25 ERA with 94 strikeouts and 19 saves over 64.2 regular-season innings in 2022 before his sudden collapse in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Phillies. He is expected to serve as the primary closer in St. Louis throughout the upcoming campaign.
Oct 8 2022Helsley's MRI on his right middle finger came back clean Saturday, but he'll nevertheless be unavailable for Game 2 of the Wild Card Series against the Phillies, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley initially suffered the injury while fielding a groundball in his final appearance of the regular season. He didn't look like himself in Game 1 against the Phillies on Friday, losing the plate and throwing less than half of his 33 pitches for strikes while allowing four earned runs before his exit. While he's seemingly escaped a serious injury, that kind of workload will still keep him from pitching again for at least one day.
Oct 7 2022Helsley will undergo an MRI on the middle finger of his right hand after he exited the Cardinals' loss in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Phillies on Friday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old jammed his finger Tuesday in his final appearance of the regular season and aggravated the injury Friday after he struggled with his command in the playoff opener. Helsley threw only 15 of his 33 pitches for strikes, and he was charged with the loss after he gave up four runs on a hit and two walks over one inning. The right-hander reported a lack of feeling in his fingers before he was removed from the contest, and the MRI will hopefully shed some light on the specifics of his injury.
Oct 6 2022Helsley (finger) didn't feel any pain during a side session Thursday and will be included on the Cardinals' wild-card roster, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley exited Tuesday's game against the Pirates due to a jammed right middle finger, but the issue won't impact his availability to begin the postseason. Over the last month, the right-hander has converted all seven of his save chances while posting a 2.38 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 11.1 innings over 11 appearances.
Oct 4 2022Helsley was removed from Tuesday's game against the Pirates as a precaution with a jammed right middle finger, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley suffered the injury when he fielded a batted ball from the only hitter he faced, and he then left the field with training staff. The fact the right-hander's exit has been labeled a precaution is an encouraging sign, and it doesn't appear he'll undergo medical imaging, according to John Denton of MLB.com. It's clear Helsley won't pitch in Wednesday's regular-season finale, and he should be considered day-to-day for Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series on Friday.
Oct 1 2022Helsley issued one walk, struck out one and did not give up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in a 2-1 victory over the Pirates on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley closed out the one-run game thanks in part to some excellent defense behind him. With a runner on first and two out, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt made an incredible running catch on a pop up by Miguel Andujar in foul territory that saw him crash into the netting. Helsley has a superb 1.26 ERA this season and could reach the 20-save mark for the first time in his career depending on how the Cardinals decide to manage his rest in the final week of the regular season.
Sep 17 2022Helsley struck out the side on nine pitches to earn the save in Friday's 6-5 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was the third immaculate inning recorded in Cardinals history, and it was enough to secure a win after St. Louis trailed three times in the contest. Helsley has converted six straight save chances despite allowing two runs over six innings in that span. The hard-throwing righty owns a 1.21 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 87:17 K:BB through 59.1 innings while racking up 18 saves in 22 attempts, six holds and a 9-1 record.
Sep 15 2022Helsley earned a save against the Brewers on Wednesday, striking out two batters and allowing one hit in a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley entered for the ninth inning with St. Louis up by three runs and worked around a two-out single to record a scoreless frame. He notched his fifth save in five chances so far in September, though he's given up two runs in five frames over that stretch. Helsley has emerged as the Cardinals' clear No. 1 closer this month -- former co-closer Giovanny Gallegos hasn't picked up a save since Aug. 28.
Sep 11 2022Helsley picked up the save Sunday in Pittsburgh, allowing a solo homer and striking out one in the ninth inning of a 4-3 win. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley entered the game in the bottom of the ninth after the Cardinals had pieced together a four-run top half of the inning. After retiring the first two batters on four pitches, he allowed a solo homer to Greg Allen before recording the final out. It was Helsley's second straight game where he allowed a run and recorded a save. After posting a 0.61 ERA through his first 36 outings, the 28-year-old has come back to earth recently and has a 3.46 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and four homers allowed in his last 13 innings across 11 appearances.
Sep 10 2022Helsley allowed a run on two hits to earn the save in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Pirates. He did not strike out or walk a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley gave up an RBI single to Bryan Reynolds in the ninth inning, but the Cardinals' closer was able to diffuse the situation after that. He's given up a run in four of his last 10 appearances, though that may just be some evening out of his numbers after a remarkably strong start to the year. The right-hander owns a 1.12 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 81:17 K:BB through 56.1 innings overall while converting 15 of 19 save chances and adding six holds in 46 appearances.
Sep 6 2022Helsley picked up the save Tuesday against Washington. He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one over a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley found himself in a mini jam Tuesday, as he allowed a leadoff double and later walked a batter but came out unscathed to record his 14th save. The 28-year-old has earned and converted the last two save opportunities for St. Louis despite Giovanny Gallegos recording two saves recently. Helsley figures to be the favorite for save opportunities down the stretch with his stellar 0.98 ERA and 0.70 WHIP on the season.
Sep 4 2022Helsley walked one and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 2-0 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley had logged three wins and a blown save over his five previous outings, with Giovanny Gallegos responsible for two saves since Helsley's last successful closing assignment. The 28-year-old issued a one-out walk to Zach McKinstry but got Seiya Suzuki to ground into a double play to end the game. Helsley has permitted three runs (all via solo home runs) in 12 innings since the start of August, accounting for half of the earned runs he's given up all year. He has a 0.99 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 80:16 K:BB while converting 13 of 17 save chances through 54.1 innings.
Aug 28 2022Helsley (9-1) was charged with one run on one hit and struck out three over 1.1 innings, blowing a save but earning the win Sunday versus Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was brought in for a high-leverage chance after Adam Wainwright faded in the seventh inning. Dansby Swanson took Helsley deep for a three-run home run, but the Cardinals rallied ahead again in the eighth after a clean top half of the frame from the righty. While typically the closer, Helsley's last three appearances have seen him pick up wins, and his nine victories puts him second among major-league relievers this year behind Toronto's Adam Cimber. Helsley has added 12 saves, four blown saves and six holds while pitching to a 1.04 ERA, 0.65 WHIP and 77:13 K:BB. He's given up at least a run in three of his last six appearances, which has opened the door for Giovanny Gallegos to regain a larger share of the closing duties. Both of the Cardinals' top relievers have three saves in August.
Aug 27 2022Helsley (8-1) earned the win during Saturday's 6-5 victory over Atlanta, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being sidelined since Aug. 19 due to personal reasons, Helsley was deployed to pitch the ninth inning with a one-run deficit and became the victor when St. Louis walked it off in the bottom of the frame. The 28-year-old wasted no time getting back into the groove by striking out two on just 11 pitches and remains one of the best relievers in the game with a 0.89 ERA and 0.65 WHIP.
Aug 26 2022Helsley (personal) was activated from the restricted list Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old has been away from the team for the past week following the birth of his first child, but he's back with the Cardinals ahead of Friday's series opener versus Atlanta. Helsley has converted 12 of 15 save chances with a 0.91 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 72:13 K:BB across 49.2 innings this year, and he should reclaim the closer role now that he's back on the active roster.
Aug 24 2022Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Helsley (personal) is likely to rejoin the team for Friday's game against Atlanta, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was placed on the paternity list last Friday and was transferred to the restricted list Monday in order to spend additional time with his wife and newborn child. Helsley isn't expected to rejoin the team for Thursday's series finale versus the Cubs in Chicago, but he should be back for Friday's home matchup with Atlanta.
Aug 23 2022Manager Oliver Marmol said after Tuesday's doubleheader split with the Cubs that Helsley (personal) won't be reinstated from the restricted list Wednesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Marmol said earlier Tuesday that Helsley was expected to be back with the Cardinals on Wednesday, but the closer will instead remain with his wife and newborn child for at least another day. The 28-year-old was placed on the paternity list Friday, which has a three-day maximum, and was transferred to the restricted list Monday. It's unclear if Helsley is expected to return for Thursday's series finale in Chicago.
Aug 22 2022Helsley (personal) was moved from the paternity list to the restricted list Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Players are allowed to spend a maximum of three days on the paternity list, so Helsley's move to the restricted list is procedural since he isn't yet ready to rejoin the team. It's not clear when Helsley will be cleared to return, but he'll at least remain sidelined for Monday's series opener against the Cubs.
Aug 19 2022Helsley was placed on the paternity list Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley hasn't pitched since he delivered a scoreless frame Tuesday against the Rockies, and he'll now step away from the team for a few days to be with his family. He should rejoin the Cardinals for Monday's series opener against the Cubs. Giovanny Gallegos is the likely candidate to fill in for any save chances this weekend in Arizona, though the team hasn't officially named a fill-in closer.
Aug 16 2022Helsley (7-1) struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the win in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley kept the game tied in the top of the ninth inning, and the Cardinals won on a walkoff hit-by-pitch in their half of the frame. While he's allowed two runs in 7.1 innings in August, he's also picked up two wins and three saves with an 8:1 K:BB. The fact that this has been one of his poorer months speaks to how dominant the right-hander has been all year -- he owns a 0.91 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 72:13 K:BB with 12 saves and six holds through 49.2 innings overall.
Aug 12 2022Helsley allowed two hits and struck out three over two scoreless innings to earn the save in Friday's 3-1 win over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley has converted all four of his save chances while allowing just one run across 8.2 innings in seven appearances since the All-Star break. He entered Friday's game in the eighth inning to face the heart of the Brewers' order, then stayed on for the ninth, completing the assignment with 29 pitches (22 strikes). The 28-year-old is up to 12 saves in 15 chances while adding six holds, a 0.76 ERA, 0.65 WHIP and 70:13 K:BB through 47.2 innings.
Aug 7 2022Helsley picked up the save Sunday against the Yankees. He allowed one run on one hit and zero walks while striking out one over 1.1 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsely entered the game with two outs in the eighth inning and had little trouble recording the out. DJ LeMahieu tagged him for a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning, but Helsley set down the other three batters he faced to record the four-out save, his 11th on the season. The 28-year-old reliever now sports an incredible 0.79 ERA to go with a 0.64 WHIP.
Aug 5 2022Helsley walked one in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 4-3 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was able to protect a one-run lead after Paul DeJong put the Cardinals ahead for the first time in the eighth inning. This was Helsley's ninth consecutive scoreless outing, spanning 9.1 innings, and he's picked up four saves, a win and a hold in that stretch. For the season, he owns a 0.61 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 66:13 K:BB through 44.1 innings.
Jul 24 2022Helsley struck out three in 1.1 perfect innings to earn the save in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley got the final out of the eighth inning and then struck out the side in the ninth. He's allowed only one unearned run in 9.2 innings in July while posting an impressive 15:2 K:BB this month. The 28-year-old continues to dominate as the Cardinals' top closer. He's up to nine saves in 12 chances with six holds, a 0.67 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 60:12 K:BB across 40.1 innings.
Jul 15 2022Helsley earned the save during Friday's 7-3 win against the Reds, allowing one hit while recording one strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsely entered with two on and none out in the ninth and surrendered a leadoff single to Nick Senzel to load the bases and bring the tying run to the plate. He proceeded to induce two flyouts and a strikeout to end the game and extend his scoreless innings streak to 8.1 frames across six appearances. The 27-year-old concludes the first half with a 0.69 ERA and 0.67 WHIP with 57 strikeouts across 39 innings and appears to be the top option to finish games for Manager Oliver Marmol.
Jul 10 2022Helsley picked up the save Sunday, tossing a perfect ninth inning in a 4-3 win over Philadelphia. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was able to get three flyouts to close out the ballgame and earn his seventh save. After fanning 24 in his previous 13.2 innings, he did not record a strikeout for the first time since June 7. The 27-year-old continues to dominate opponents and his 0.73 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, and .107 opponents' batting average are some of the best marks in baseball.
Jul 8 2022Helsley (5-1) allowed an unearned run on two hits and a walk with three strikeouts over 2.1 innings to earn the extra-innings win over Atlanta on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley got out of a jam created by Junior Fernandez in the eighth inning and then worked two more frames. Helsley wasn't able to finish off the game in the 10th, as Matt Olson tagged him for a game-tying single, but the Cardinals regained the lead in the 11th and Packy Naughton converted the save. In his last five outings, Helsley has picked up three wins, one loss, one save and one blown save, as the Cardinals' struggles of late have limited his closing opportunities. He has a 0.77 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 53:12 K:BB with six saves, five holds and three blown saves across 35 innings this year.
Jul 3 2022Helsley (4-1) earned the win Saturday against Philadelphia, allowing no runs and no hits while striking out five and walking one in two innings of relief. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley snagged the win after a ninth-inning walk-off home run from Nolan Arenado. He threw 23 of 37 pitches for strikes in a dominant two innings of relief. Helsley is clearly a high-leverage reliever for St. Louis, though the team seems to be splitting save chances between him and Giovanny Gallegos. Helsley holds a 0.83 ERA across 32.2 innings this season.
Jun 29 2022Helsley (3-1) allowed two runs on two hits and a walk with three strikeouts in one inning, taking a blown save and a loss in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Prior to Wednesday, Helsley had allowed two runs (one earned) all season. That changed when he surrendered the go-ahead two-run home run to Avisail Garcia in the ninth inning. This was Helsley's third blown save of the year, and he's converted six saves while adding five holds in 30.2 innings. Despite the misstep in this contest, he still owns a 0.88 ERA, 0.65 WHIP And 45:10 K:BB. Giovanny Gallegos pitched a perfect eighth inning and would be first in line to pick up save chances if Helsley begins to struggle over an extended stretch.
Jun 26 2022Helsley (3-0) gave up one hit and two walks over 1.2 scoreless innings while striking out two to earn the win in a 5-3 victory over the Cubs on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cardinals' power reliever was brought into a tie game after co-closer Giovanny Gallegos coughed up a two-run lead in the top of the eighth. Helsley got the final five outs of the game to pick up his third win of the season after the Cardinals posted two go-ahead runs in the bottom of the eighth. The 27-year-old right-hander hasn't given up an earned run over the entire month of June and boasts a superb 12.3 K/9 rate. He should continued to see high-leverage usage out of the bullpen.
Jun 13 2022Helsley struck out one batter in a perfect inning and earned a save over the Pirates on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley threw eight of 12 pitches for strikes and had no issue finishing off the 7-5 win. He's now five for seven in save chances this season with a stellar 0.37 ERA and 33:6 K:BB through 24.1 frames. Helsley has earned a save in each of his last two appearances while Giovanny Gallegos hasn't recorded one since May 20.
Jun 10 2022Helsley struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 2-0 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cardinals went ahead 2-0 in the first inning, and Helsley was able to protect that lead in the ninth for his fourth save of the season. The right-hander has logged 5.2 scoreless innings in his last four appearances, though he has a blown save in that span for allowing inherited runners to score last Saturday. The 27-year-old has been excellent this year with a 0.39 ERA, 0.51 WHIP, 32:6 K:BB, four holds and a 2-0 record through 19 appearances across 23.1 innings. Giovanny Gallegos allowed three walks in a scoreless eighth inning for the hold Friday -- he and Helsley should continue to be the top candidates for closing duties.
Jun 5 2022Helsley allowed two hits and struck out two over 2.2 innings while permitting two inherited runners to score in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Cubs. He took a blown save. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was unable to navigate the traffic Drew VerHagen put on the basepaths in the sixth inning. It's a harsh blown save given the timing and the stat line, but it doesn't discount that Helsley has started to push for more high-leverage usage. He's logged two saves and given up just one run in his last 7.2 innings across six appearances. For the season, the 27-year-old right-hander has a 0.42 ERA, 0.52 WHIP and 30:5 K:BB across 21.1 innings. He's logged three saves, four holds and two blown saves while serving as a closing option alongside Giovanny Gallegos.
May 27 2022Helsley retired both batters he faced in Friday's win over Milwaukee. He struck out one and recorded a save. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After Kody Whitley coughed up a two-run shot to Keston Hiura, Helsley entered the game to finish off the 4-2 win. He's now thrown 16.1 frames this season without giving up an earned run. Over his last eight appearances, Helsley has registered a strong 15:3 K:BB while converting three of his four save chances.
May 21 2022Helsley earned the save against the Pirates on Saturday, pitching a perfect inning during which he struck out one batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Giovanny Gallegos pitched each of the previous two days and threw 1.2 innings in collecting a save Friday, so the Cardinals went to Helsley to protect a one-run, ninth-inning lead Saturday. The right-hander got the job done, needing only 13 pitches to retire the side and notch his second save of the campaign. Helsley has yet to give up an earned run across 14.2 innings on the season, and he has compiled a magnificent 25:2 K:BB.
May 18 2022Helsley (2-0) allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk with two strikeouts to earn the win in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader versus the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley got Eduardo Escobar to strike out, but a passed ball allowed the Mets' infielder to reach base before Jeff McNeil knocked in the game-tying run in the eighth inning. The Cardinals pushed back in the ninth to pull ahead, and Giovanny Gallegos converted the save to earn Helsley his second win in his last three appearances. The hard-throwing righty hadn't given up any runs in his first nine outings this year, and his ERA remains untouched after Tuesday's outing. He's added a 23:2 K:BB, 0.32 WHIP, four holds and a save in 12.2 innings.
May 7 2022Helsley (1-0) got the win in Friday's 3-2 victory over San Francisco, striking out four in 1.2 relief innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley entered in the seventh with one on and one out and struck out both batters he faced, then recorded two more strikeouts in a scoreless eighth. The 27-year-old is yet to allow a run in 10 innings and has surrendered just one baserunner compared to 20 strikeouts.
May 1 2022Helsley struck out four batters in two perfect innings to earn the save in Sunday's 7-5 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was efficient, throwing 14 of 18 pitches for strikes. It was a little intriguing that manager Oli Marmol stuck with Helsley for a second inning even though Giovanny Gallegos hasn't pitched since a four-run meltdown for a blown save April 25. For his part, Helsley has allowed just one hit while piling up 16 strikeouts in 8.1 innings in a high-leverage role. The hard-throwing right-hander has also logged three holds in addition to the save he earned Sunday.
Apr 22 2022Helsley has yet to allow a run across 5.1 innings this season. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley hasn't been giving much up at all -- he's yielded just one hit with no walks while dialing up 11 strikeouts. He threw 1.1 perfect innings to earn his third hold of the year Friday versus the Reds. The 27-year-old should continue to see plenty of high-leverage opportunities, though Giovanny Gallegos has done well as the closer so far, so Helsley's usage is likely to come before the ninth inning in most games.
Mar 24 2022Helsley (elbow/knee) will make his spring training debut Friday versus the Nationals, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley underwent knee surgery in the offseason, but this news indicates he's recovered from that operation. The 27-year-old played a versatile role in the bullpen last year. He posted a 6-4 record, one save, 10 holds, 4.56 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 47:27 K:BB across 47.1 innings. He's got solid velocity -- he averaged 97.5 mph on his fastball last year -- and the right-hander's 3.99 FIP from last season suggests he was a little unlucky. Still, he's not expected to be part of the closer committee to begin 2022.
Mar 2 2022Helsley (elbow/knee) posted a video on his personal Instagram account last week featuring his throwing a bullpen session off a mound, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cardinals won't provide a formal update on Helsley's health until the MLB lockout ends and members of the 40-man roster are able to begin spring training, but his ability to throw off a mound at near-peak velocity -- 97 miles per hour, according to the caption of the Instagram video -- is certainly a positive sign that he'll be ready to go for Opening Day, whenever it might be. Helsley didn't make an appearance after Aug. 14 last season due to a stress reaction in his right elbow and a left knee injury that later required offseason surgery. If available for the start of the upcoming season, Helsley will likely fill a setup or middle-relief role for St. Louis.
Sep 1 2021Helsley (elbow/knee) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was initially placed on the injured list with a right elbow injury, but he recently underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee and will officially miss the remainder of the season following his move to the 60-day IL. It's not yet clear whether the 27-year-old will be ready for the start of spring training in 2022.
Aug 25 2021Helsley (elbow) will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley landed on the 10-day injured list last week due to a stress reaction in his right elbow, but he's unlikely to return in 2021 following his knee surgery. The right-hander made a career-high 51 appearances in 2021 and recorded a save and 10 holds with a 4.56 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 47.1 innings.
Aug 20 2021Helsley was placed on the 10-day injured list with a stress reaction in his right elbow. The move is retroactive to Aug. 17. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley has apparently been dealing with the injury for a bit since he hasn't seen game action since last Saturday, and he'll be unavailable for at least another week. It's unclear how long the right-hander is expected to be sidelined.
Aug 8 2021Helsley secured his eighth hold in a win over the Royals on Saturday, firing a perfect seventh inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was part of a stellar bullpen effort for the Cardinals after starter Kwang Hyun Kim exited after four frames. The right-hander has six scoreless efforts over his last eight appearances, although he's allowed two earned runs apiece in the other two outings during that span.
Jul 31 2021Helsley (6-4) was credited with the win in a victory over the Twins on Friday, allowing two hits and recording two strikeouts over 1.1 scoreless innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley served a valuable bridge to the eighth inning after taking over for starter Wade LeBlanc with two outs in the sixth. The 27-year-old right-hander has encountered some rough patches this season, but he's been in a nice groove for quite some time -- factoring in Friday's scoreless effort. Helsley now boasts a 3-0 record, 1.89 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and three holds over the 19 innings covering his last nine appearances.
Jul 25 2021Helsley (5-4) retired both batters he faced, one by strikeout, to earn the win Sunday versus Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a wild effort from Johan Oviedo, Helsley was called upon to get the last two outs of the fifth inning. He did so on just six pitches, and that was enough for the 27-year-old to collect the win. Helsley has been solid in his last 20 innings, allowing six runs while posting a 14:9 K:BB in that span. For the year, he has a 4.79 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 37:24 K:BB in 41.1 innings, but he's improved throughout the season. The right-hander has added one save, one blown save and seven holds.
Jul 23 2021Helsley secured his seventh hold in Thursday's win over the Cubs, firing a scoreless seventh inning during which he allowed one hit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander plowed through his frame on nine pitches (six strikes) despite having to work around a single. The scoreless effort extended a dominant stretch for Helsley, one that's seen him produce an 0.93 ERA and three holds over the 9.2 innings covering his last 11 appearances.
Jul 3 2021Helsley, who fired a scoreless two-thirds of an inning during which he allowed a hit and a walk in a win over the Rockies on Friday, now owns a 1.69 ERA across the 5.1 innings covering his last six appearances. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has also had some control issues, as he's handed out five free passes during that span. Nevertheless, Helsley has largely bounced back from a rough stretch during the latter half of May, as he's now coaxed his ERA down from the season-high 6.85 figure it reached on June 5 to 5.18.
Jun 16 2021Helsley (4-4) struck out a batter in 1.1 perfect innings of relief, qualifying for the win in Wednesday's 1-0 victory over the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though his ERA, now 5.86, remains unimpressive, Helsley has now logged four consecutive scoreless relief appearances after yielding two runs in four of his previous six games. The Cardinals have stuck with the righty as a late-inning option through his struggles and he's beginning to reward them with this string of effective performances. Interestingly, strikeouts have almost been a non-factor in Helsley's recent work, as he's fanned just two hitters in his last seven games.
Jun 1 2021Helsley (3-3) was tagged with the loss Monday against the Dodgers after allowing two runs on two hits in one-third of an inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley began the sixth inning following the departure of Jack Flaherty (side) but looked woeful, tossing just seven of 14 pitches for strikes and recording only one out before being lifted. He's on a poor run at the moment, having given up two or more runs in three of his last four relief appearances while allowing at least one run in five of his last seven. Helsley owns an 18.00 ERA and a 3.00 WHIP during that seven-game stretch (five innings).
May 22 2021Helsley (3-2) was charged with the loss to the Cubs on Friday, allowing two earned runs on two hits, two walks and a wild pitch over an inning. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley's busy final line underscores how much he scuffled during his one frame, as he labored through 25 pitches to get three outs in the seventh. The struggling reliever failed to protect a 2-2 tie and allowed multiple earned runs for the second time in four appearances. The 26-year-old now sports a bloated 5.59 ERA and 1.60 WHIP following his recent struggles.
May 21 2021Helsley, who earned his second hold in his most recent appearance Wednesday against the Pirates with a scoreless two-thirds of an inning, has a 13.50 ERA across the 2.2 innings covering his last four appearances. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley has sandwiched a pair of scoreless efforts of two-thirds of an inning apiece around another two where he's allowed four earned runs on three hits and two walks over a combined 1.1 frames. After similar inconsistency over his first three appearances of the campaign, Helsley had appeared to hit his stride by fashioning a 2-0 mark, 0.69 ERA and 0.77 WHIP across a subsequent 13-inning, 12-appearance stretch; however, the recent pair of hiccups have contributed to his season ERA and WHIP remaining at an elevated 4.91 and 1.47, respectively.
May 9 2021Helsley picked up a save in a scoreless appearance against Colorado on Sunday. He walked one batter and recorded two outs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley came into the game after starter Adam Wainwright put two runners on base with one out in the ninth inning. He walked the first batter he saw but wiggled out of the bases-loaded threat with a double play to end the game. Helsley is sporting a 3.45 ERA with a 3-0 record and one save in 16 relief appearances.
May 5 2021Helsley (3-0) pitched a scoreless fifth inning, walking one while striking out one to earn the win Wednesday over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley picked up the win after relieving Kwang Hyun Kim in the fifth inning. The 26-year-old started the year off with a couple bad outings, but has allowed just one run over his last 11.1 innings in 11 appearances. He has three wins and a hold to go along with a 3.86 ERA.
Apr 17 2021Helsley (2-0) earned the win Saturday against the Phillies. He gave up one run on two hits while fanning three across 1.2 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley got off to a slow start this season, and while he saw the end of a four-game stretch where he didn't allow any runs, it's also fair to say he still got the job done to earn his second win of the campaign. He has given up one run or fewer in seven of his eight outings in 2021.
Apr 15 2021Helsley has an unblemished ERA and 5:2 K:BB across 4.2 innings covering his last four appearances. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: That solid stretch includes a one-inning outing against the Nationals on Wednesday, his fourth straight without allowing a run. It represents a strong rebound for Helsley, who opened the season by giving up five earned runs on seven hits and four walks across 2.2 innings in his first three appearances.
Apr 5 2021Helsley allowed four earned runs on two hits, two walks and a wild pitch over just one-third of an inning in a loss to the Reds on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Sunday's nightmarish outing, which saw Helsley get just 12 of 26 pitches into the strike zone, was in contrast to a one-inning scoreless appearance Opening Day when he worked around three hits. The fact he's been very hittable over the first two outings is a bit concerning, however, considering Helsley also allowed a hit per inning in spring training and pitched to a 5.25 ERA while posting unsightly 6.0 BB/9 and 2.3 HR/9 ratios across his 12 appearances last season.
Mar 9 2021Helsley has fired two scoreless innings across his first two Grapefruit League appearances, allowing no hits, two walks and recording three strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley drew a ninth-inning assignment in a tie with the Marlins on Monday after debuting with a seventh-inning appearance against the Astros on Thursday. He entered the 2020 season with the potential to close out some games in the absence of Jordan Hicks, but Helsley ultimately went just 1-for-3 in save opportunities across 12 appearances. The hard-throwing right-hander is likely ticketed for seventh- and eighth-inning work even if Hicks isn't ready for the full-time closer role right from the start of the season.
Sep 19 2020Helsley walked two batters without allowing a run in two-thirds of an inning to record his first save of the season in a 6-5 win over the Pirates in the first game of Friday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alex Reyes got the first out of the seventh inning before handing the ball to Helsley, who loaded the bases with two outs thanks to a Paul DeJong error sandwiched between the free passes. The right-hander was then able to escape the jam by getting John Ryan Murphy to fly out to end the game. Helsley has not pitched well at all since coming off the COVID-19 list, posting an 11.81 ERA, 2.63 WHIP and 2:6 K:BB over 5.1 innings while going 1-for-3 on save chances, but he will apparently remain in the high-leverage mix for manager Mike Shildt.
Sep 14 2020Helsley (1-1) took the loss and a blown save in Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader against the Brewers, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit and one walk across one-third of an inning. He struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Giovanny Gallegos (groin) on the injured list, Helsley was called upon to try and pick up the save after the Cardinals took a 1-0 lead in the eighth. He walked Avisail Garcia to start the frame before bouncing back to strike out of Christian Yelich. He was pulled a batter later after allowing a game-tying double to Ryan Braun and was ultimately charged with another run on Keston Hiura's sacrifice fly. Given Helsley's inability to shut the door Monday, it would not be surprising to see manager Mike Shildt go in a different direction next time the Cardinals come across a save chance.
Sep 12 2020Helsley was identified by manager Mike Shildt as a candidate to see save opportunities the rest of the season in the wake of Giovanny Gallegos' (groin) placement on the injured list, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Granted, the right-hander hasn't exactly built a compelling case for high-leverage work recently, as Helsley has allowed at least one earned run in four straight appearances and now carries a bloated 7.71 ERA and 1.43 WHIP over six trips to the mound. However, the 26-year-old certainly demonstrated upside in his rookie 2019 campaign, when he finished with a 2-0 record and 2.95 ERA in 36.2 innings. Moreover, Helsley posted double-digit K/9s at four different minor-league seasons and boasts a fastball that's currently averaging a tick under 97 mph, so the foundational tools for a ninth-inning role would appear to be there.
Sep 9 2020Helsley, who surrendered two earned runs on two hits over an inning while recording a strikeout in the first game of a doubleheader against the Twins on Tuesday, now has a 10.80 ERA across 3.1 innings in his first three appearances since returning from the COVID-19 injured list. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley had opened the season with a pair of perfect appearances before he and the Cardinals' season were both sidelined due to the team's coronavirus outbreak. The hard-throwing right-hander's struggles since his return underscore the notion the month-plus layoff particularly affected him; Helsley came into the season riding high off an impressive rookie campaign during which he posted a 2.95 ERA and didn't give up an earned run in more than two consecutive appearances over 36.2 innings.
Sep 2 2020Helsley allowed an earned run on a solo home run and allowed one other hit and a walk across one inning in a win over the Reds on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-handed reliever was making his first appearance since July 29 after a bout with COVID-19 and an extended build-up period on the injured list. Helsley threw 15 pitches overall and surrendered a solo blast to Joey Votto, but some rust was to be expected after such a long layoff. Given the solid workload he logged Tuesday, Helsley should be ready for a steady role moving forward.
Sep 1 2020Helsley (not injury related) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley will return to the bullpen after building back up from a positive COVID-19 test in early August. He's been building up at alternate camp through bullpen sessions and live batting practice sessions. His last game action came July 29. Right-hander Jesus Cruz was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Aug 31 2020Helsley (illness) threw a bullpen session Sunday and is with the team on its road trip that begins Monday, the Associated Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley's return is apparently imminent, with Sunday's bullpen possibly the final step toward being cleared for activation. The right-hander could potentially still face live hitters before one of the Cardinals' upcoming games as yet another benchmark in his recovery from COVID-19 infection, but under any scenario, it appears Helsley will soon be available out of the bullpen again for manager Mike Shildt.
Aug 29 2020Helsley (illness) is set to throw live batting practice at some point over the weekend, the Associated Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander continues to make his way toward activation after having conquered coronavirus infection earlier in August. Helsley has been throwing regularly for several days, and the step of facing live hitters could be the final benchmark for Helsley to come off the COVID-19 injured list.
Aug 24 2020Helsley (illness) threw a side session Monday and could potentially throw live batting practice Tuesday, Richard Justice of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley continues to make good progress toward an eventual return, and he could take another important step very quickly according to Justice's report. The right-hander's level of activity Tuesday will be determined by how well Helsley recovers from Monday's session, with manager Mike Shildt remarking the team will "continue to work on the timeline" with respect to the reliever's return to action.
Aug 23 2020Helsley (illness) played catch at Busch Stadium with Carlos Martinez (illness) on Friday and is set for a bullpen session Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was one of a multitude of Cardinals players to test positive for COVID-19 in the team's recent outbreak, and he's currently starting the build-up process after recently gaining clearance for baseball activities. Helsley notably threw what was described as an "aggressive" long-toss session Saturday, and the right-hander could play a critical late-inning role down the stretch once he's back in the fold.
Aug 20 2020Helsley (illness) is expected to enter the second phase of the re-entry process for gaining clearance to resume baseball activities during the early portion of the team's upcoming 11-day, 12-game homestand, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The hard-throwing right-hander has reportedly dealt with a slight fever during his bout with coronavirus, but this latest report seems to imply Helsley could be on his way back to full health. The 26-year-old will have to produce two negative COVID-19 test results at least 24 hours apart in order to officially enter the second phase of the re-entry process, which includes a cardiac evaluation and an antibody blood test. Helsley made two appearances during which he fired 2.2 scoreless innings before the Cardinals' season was paused for over two weeks due to the team's COVID outbreak.
Aug 16 2020The Cardinals placed Helsley (illness) on the COVID-19 injured list Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley and outfielders Austin Dean and Lane Thomas were removed from the active roster after all three were revealed to be among the several Cardinals players who recently tested positive for the coronavirus as part of a team-wide outbreak. With Helsley out indefinitely and Kwang-Hyun Kim having recently been moved to the rotation, the Cardinals' closing situation appears quite unsettled as the team resumes play this weekend. Andrew Miller recorded a save during one half of Saturday's doubleheader, but Giovanny Gallegos and Tyler Webb could also be part of the late-inning mix if manager Mike Shildt takes a committee approach to the closer's role.
Aug 7 2020Helsley has tested positive for COVID-19, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cardinals had two players and one staff member test positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and Thursday, and Helsley was revealed as one of those players Friday. He's reportedly experiencing a low-grade fever as he deals with the virus. The team's weekend series against the Cubs was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak among team members, but Giovanny Gallegos could see save chances once the Cardinals return to play. Helsley will be eligible to return to the team once he produces two negative tests.
Aug 5 2020Helsley was mentioned by manager Mike Shildt on Wednesday as one of the Cardinals' top candidates to close going forward, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kwang-Hyun Kim opened the year as the Cardinals' closer, but the team has since decided to move him into the rotation. With Jordan Hicks opting out of the season, the ninth inning is wide open in St. Louis, and Helsley was one of a large group of candidates who are being considered for the job. Helsley has closer velocity, with his fastball averaging just shy of 98 mph, though he hasn't necessarily achieved closer-worthy results through his first 39.1 big-league innings. His 2.75 ERA is quite strong, but it's come with a 4.04 FIP and a 5.04 xFIP, as his 21.1 percent strikeout rate is rather unimpressive.
Jul 30 2020Helsley fired 1.2 scoreless innings in a loss to the Twins on Wednesday, allowing no hits or walks and recording two strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old has picked up right where he left off during spring training and summer camp, as Wednesday marked his second scoreless effort in as many regular-season appearances thus far. Helsley should be a constant presence in the late innings thanks to an impressive repertoire that includes a high-90s fastball.
Jul 14 2020Helsley's chances of spending at least some time in the closer role this season seemingly have increased in the wake of Jordan Hicks' (elbow) decision to opt out of playing in the 2020 season. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was already in the running for some ninth-inning work in the early portion of the season, at minimum, with Giovanny Gallegos still stuck in Mexico for the time being. Hicks' decision may also inch Helsley closer to filling such a role in at least a part-time capacity, as it guarantees the former will no longer be a candidate for closing duties in the second half of the campaign. If Gallegos' travel issues persist into the regular season, it may be down to either Helsley or Carlos Martinez for closing duties for at least the start of the campaign, with a decision from manager Mike Shildt on how he'll handle the situation potentially not coming until much closer to Opening Day.
Jul 8 2020Helsley was the first name Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak mentioned Tuesday as a potential closing candidate to begin the season in the event Giovanny Gallegos (non-injury related) isn't ready to go for Opening Day, Mark Saxon of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Jordan Hicks (elbow) still on the mend from Tommy John surgery and set to open the campaign on the injured list, Gallegos appeared to be the odds-on favorite to close for St. Louis coming off a brilliant 2019 season out of the bullpen and a solid spring training. Unfortunately for Gallegos, the COVID-19 pandemic has created complications with traveling from his native Mexico, as he has yet to arrive in St. Louis since summer camp began last week. Even if Gallegos makes it back to the United States before Opening Day, the Cardinals may not be comfortable using him in high-leverage spots right away, which could pave the way for the fireballing Helsley to see some save opportunities. Helsley's numbers from 2019 weren't exceptional (2.95 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 7.9 K/9 in 36.2 innings), but the Cardinals were encouraged by the strides he made during the spring and seemingly have him earmarked for a key role out of the bullpen in his second MLB season. In addition to Helsley, Carlos Martinez could also enter the mix for saves if Gallegos isn't available, though the Cardinals still intend to give Martinez a chance to lock down the fifth spot in the rotation during summer camp.
May 21 2020Helsley has been able to keep track of key individual metrics with the use of a Rapsodo pitching unit during his throwing sessions while spring training has been suspended, Mark Saxon of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A Rapsodo unit enables pitchers to track important performance data such as spin rate, shape and release point when engaging in any type of throwing, and Helsley utilized one throughout his offseason training in an effort to improve on what was a solid rookie campaign in 2019. The 25-year-old posted a 2.95 ERA across 36.2 innings over 24 appearances, and he followed it up with a 1.29 ERA in four Grapefruit League turns before spring training was suspended. During the ongoing shutdown, Helsley has utilized the Rapsodo to help him refine a changeup that he's attempting to add to a repertoire that already includes a high-90s fastball and 88 mph cutter, honing in on the ideal spin rate (1,500 revolutions per minute) and release point with the assistance of the unit. Helsley was thought to be in strong contention for save chances when play was paused, but the projected early July regular-season start date means closer Jordan Hicks (elbow) may be ready to return to game action within the first month of the campaign. Although that may ultimately relegate Helsley to a setup role for the majority of the abbreviated 2020 season, an enhanced arsenal should naturally still serve him well in that capacity.
Apr 7 2020Helsley, who posted a 1.29 ERA across four Grapefruit League appearances, was in contention for closing opportunities when spring training was suspended, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley certainly didn't hurt his cause with his dominant spring performance, which follows an excellent rookie 2019 campaign. The 25-year-old right-hander boasts a 97 mph fastball that seemingly makes him a natural fit for late-inning duty. However, with the delayed start to the regular season, the amount of games last year's closer Jordan Hicks (elbow) misses should be significantly reduced, which in turn will limit the cumulative amount of save opportunities available for other relievers..
Feb 25 2020Helsley, who earned a hold with two scoreless innings during a 6-3 Grapefruit League loss to the Marlins on Monday, kept himself firmly in contention for a spot on the starting rotation to open the season, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. "Valuable guy," said Cardinals manager Mike Shildt. "A guy that's historically been able to hold his velocity in a Minor League setting as he goes deeper into games. But clearly he is able to have high velocity with plus secondary pitches in the short outings as well. That's really what we're looking for in the modern game." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Helsley was a rousing success as a reliever last season, posting a 2.95 ERA across his first 24 major-league appearances. The 25-year-old threw an efficient 22 pitches during his pair of frames Monday, and he's slated to have an opportunity to corroborate his ability to go multiple innings as a starter later in spring training. For the moment, Helsley will continue to incorporate his curveball in Grapefruit League action -- he threw five in Monday's appearance -- after primarily deploying a cutter and triple-digit fastball in his 2019 big-league stint. The latter pitch, which arguably makes him the team's hardest-throwing healthy pitcher, also has Helsley in contention for the closer's role.
Feb 16 2020Helsley, who is a candidate for the closer role to open the season, is also likely to log at least one Grapefruit League start in order to build up stamina and arm strength, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The hard-throwing right-hander gave an excellent accounting of himself over his first 24 big-league appearances last season, generating a 2-0 record, 2.95 ERA and 1.25 WHIP across 36.2 innings. Although Helsley had previously stated he intended to compete for the No. 5 rotation spot this spring, it appears likelier the Cardinals will want his triple-digit fastball available for late-game scenarios. That won't necessarily equate to a ninth-inning role, however, hence the probability he draws a couple of spring starts to prepare for the occasional multi-inning appearance come the regular season.
Jan 28 2020Helsley said last week that he would arrive at spring training with the aim of competing for the No. 5 spot in the Cardinals' rotation, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All of Jack Flaherty, Miles Mikolas, Dakota Hudson and Adam Wainwright appear locked in as members of the rotation if healthy, leaving a host of others to audition for the final job. Starter-turned-closer Carlos Martinez will be among the competitors and profiles as the favorite for the gig if the Cardinals believe his shoulder can still hold up to a hefty workload, though Helsley, Kwang-Hyun Kim and Ponce de Leon will also get the opportunity to showcase their stuff. Helsley's shallow repertoire and poor control have limited his effectiveness as a starter in the high minors, but his upper-90s fastball occasionally made him a dominant relief weapon across his multiple stints with the big club in 2020. That should give him a decent chance at claiming an Opening Day roster spot even if he fails to claim a starting role.
Aug 26 2019Helsley (1-0) was credited with the victory in a win over the Rockies on Sunday, striking out four while allowing an unearned run on a hit and a walk over 2.1 innings.
Aug 6 2019Helsley fired three scoreless innings in a loss to the Dodgers on Monday, allowing a hit and four walks while recording two strikeouts.
Aug 4 2019Helsley was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Sunday.
Jul 21 2019Helsley was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Sunday, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 20 2019Helsley was recalled from Triple-A Memphis<\/a> on Saturday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 3 2019Helsley (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day injured list<\/a> and optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 30 2019Helsley (shoulder) fired a scoreless seventh inning in Triple-A Memphis' loss to New Orleans on Saturday, allowing a hit and a walk, uncorking a wild pitch and recording a strikeout.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 26 2019Helsley (shoulder) took the loss for Triple-A Memphis against Nashville on Wednesday, failing to record an out in the eighth inning while allowing four earned runs on a hit and three walks.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 25 2019Helsley (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 20 2019Helsley (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Thursday and will throw either a live batting practice or simulated game Sunday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com<\/a> reports. \"Feeling better,\" Helsley said. \"Moving in the right direction. The bullpen felt good today, but I'm trying to take it easy and not rush back too quick.\"Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 17 2019Helsley (shoulder) has responded well to treatment and has now been cleared to resume playing catch, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 13 2019Helsley (right shoulder impingement) was placed on the 10-day injured list<\/a> Thursday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 12 2019Helsley is expected to be placed on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement after exiting Wednesday's loss to the Marlins, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 10 2019Helsley was recalled from Triple-A Memphis<\/a> on Monday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 9 2019The Cardinals optioned<\/a> Helsley to Triple-A Memphis on Sunday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 5 2019Helsley was recalled from Triple-A Memphis<\/a> on Wednesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 23 2019The Cardinals optioned<\/a> Helsley to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 17 2019Helsley was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Friday, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 21 2018Helsley (shoulder) is progressing through his throwing program and expected back in a minor-league starting rotation soon, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.Helsley has been sidelined since June 9 with what was termed "shoulder fatigue". He'd gone 5-3 with a 4.12 ERA over 12 minor-league starts in 2018, which included a 2-1 mark during his brief time with Triple-A Memphis. It remains to be seen whether Helsley will immediately return to the Redbirds, or whether he'll be eased back into action with Double-A Springfield, where he began the season.
Jun 11 2018Helsley is on the 7-day disabled list at Triple-A Memphis with "shoulder fatigue" according to president of baseball operations John Mozeliak, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.The right-hander has gone 5-3 with a 4.12 ERA over 12 minor league starts, including a 2-1 tally with the Redbirds. Mozeliak stated that the organization isn't overly concerned, but that they are being careful with their highly regarded prospect. "For us, its really taking a timeout. His volume was up. For us, it's more being conservative and trying to be smart," Mozeliak said.
May 28 2018Helsley (2-0) racked up 10 strikeouts and allowed an unearned run on three hits and a walk over seven innings in Triple-A Memphis' win over Colorado Springs on Monday.Helsley was arguably even more impressive than in his previous outing, when he'd mowed down nine hitters over seven innings against Oklahoma City. The 23-year-old right-hander now sports a 5-2 record, 3.34 ERA and 72:23 K:BB and .179 BAA over 62 innings. While he looks destined to remain with the Redbirds for the foreseeable future, Helsley may be hard to keep on the farm over the long haul if he continues to dominate in similar fashion.
May 23 2018Helsley covered seven innings and gave up two runs on two hits and one walk while striking out nine for Triple-A Memphis in the affiliate's 10-3 loss to Oklahoma City on Tuesday.After getting through a bumpy first inning, Helsley was electric the rest of the way, retiring the final 20 batters he faced on the evening. The 23-year-old has now covered at least six innings in all but one of his last seven starts and maintains a 3.76 ERA and 62:22 K:BB across 55 innings between Memphis and Double-A Springfield this season. The Cardinals' strong organizational starting pitching depth will likely prevent Helsley from getting a look in the big-league rotation in 2018 barring a rash of injuries, but the hard-throwing righty could be called up to provide a boost to the St. Louis bullpen at some point in the second half.
Mar 11 2018Helsley was reassigned to minor-league camp Sunday.Helsley's spring showing left much to be desired. The righty appeared in three games (4.2 innings) and gave up four runs. His control was lacking, as he allowed seven hits and pieced together a 2:4 K:BB. He'll likely open the year at Double-A Memphis or Triple-A Springfield.
Jan 23 2018Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said earlier this month that Helsley will likely contribute to the St. Louis bullpen in 2018, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Mozeliak didn't put a firm timeline on when Hensley will receive a look in the majors, but given that he's only made seven career appearances above the High-A level, it's unlikely that he would break camp with the big club. Though Hensley has been developed as a starter and has thrived in that capacity during his three seasons in the minors, transitioning the 23-year-old to the bullpen at some point in 2018 would allow the Cardinals to limit his innings count and potentially upgrade a bullpen lacking in power right-handers. With an upper-90s fastball and a breaking ball capable of inducing plenty of swings and misses, Helsley has drawn comparisons within the organization to former Cardinals closer Trevor Rosenthal, who posted a 37.6 percent strikeout rate last season before undergoing Tommy John surgery in August.