Andrew

Kittredge

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz delivered a positive update, noting that Helsely is merely dealing with elbow inflammation and that there isn’t a high level of concern. The 31-year-old closer will be cleared to resume throwing once the swelling subsides and isn’t expected to require a lengthy absence. Andrew Kittredge’s closing experience makes him the clear favorite to take over the ninth-inning role, but rookie Anthony Nunez has the stuff to handle the role. Rico Garcia is another name to watch in the closing mix for the next couple weeks.

He’ll return to a high-end role in the Orioles bullpen, but would appear unlikely to be able to do much but make footholds while Ryan Helsley is on the bereavement list. He could eventually find his way into the holds mix if he pitches well.

Both of the outs he recorded came on strikeouts, so we guess that’s something. Kittredge could still return to the Orioles in the next week or so, but there is no fantasy value to be had here. He doesn’t need to be rostered in any formats, even as an IL stash.

Kittredge was away for most of the week due to paternity leave. He should only need another couple of outings — likely including a back-to-back — before he’s ready to rejoin the Orioles’ bullpen.

Kittredge will be away from the Tides while taking care of something more important than baseball. The 36-year-old has a chance to be back with Baltimore as a high-leverage option by the end of April.

Kittredge has been battling shoulder inflammation for much of spring training. He will likely need a few outings before he joins Baltimore’s bullpen, where he will be part of the bridge to closer Ryan Helsley. The 36-year-old has 21 career saves in nine MLB seasons and is not a lock to be the fallback option at closer if Helsley were to get hurt, so he’s not worth holding onto in most fantasy formats.

Kittredge has already progressed to throwing bullpen sessions after missing time earlier in camp with shoulder inflammation. He’ll kick off a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk shortly after Opening Day. The 36-year-old veteran setup specialist will help bridge the gap to newly-minted Orioles closer Ryan Helsley this season.

Kittredge will open the season on the injured list as he works his way back from shoulder inflammation. He’s expected to kick off a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk shortly after Opening Day. The 36-year-old veteran setup specialist will help bridge the gap to newly-minted Orioles closer Ryan Helsley this season.

He has no timeline for his return. Kittredge was set to be one of the main options in the pen ahead of closer Ryan Helsley this season, but this shut down sounds likely to land him on IL. More hold opportunities will funnel down to Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano.

The Orioles have already brought back Andrew Kittredge, but he’s likely to be a setup man if things work out the way the team hopes. “Ideally, we’re going to acquire somebody who has closer experience, that’s good against righties and lefties,” Elias said. “There are a few teams (trying to do) that. Maybe there’s not enough to go around. But it’s at the top of our list.”