High-Leverage Hurler Set To Return After Long Stint On Injured List
It's no secret that the bullpen for the St. Louis Cardinals has been highly problematic this season.
Injuries and poor performances from the entire Cardinals pitching staff have taken a beating on the ballclub's record and many are already looking ahead to next season.
Despite this season being a lost cause for St. Louis, a key asset to the bullpen is set to make his long-awaited return -- possibly helping the team end go out on a high note.
"(St. Louis) Right-handed pitcher Ryan Helsley is back with few restrictions, but manager Oli Marmol said he 'doesn’t have to close out games right out of the gate," MLB.com's John Denton tweeted Friday.
Marmol also pointed to JoJo Romero's success as the team's new closer and that Helsley will be used in "leverage" situations.
Helsley has been out with a lingering right forearm injury after being placed on the injured list back in June -- the last game he pitched in was on June 7th.
The 29-year-old closer had posted a 3-4 record with a 3.24 ERA, 33-to-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .205 batting average against, and 1.16 WHIP in 25 innings pitched prior to his injury.
Adding Helsley back to the bullpen will give the Cardinals much-needed depth heading into the late innings.
With Romero firing on all cylinders and the return of Helsley, perhaps the Cardinals will be able to sneak out a few extra wins to close out the season.
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