St. Louis Cardinals All-Star closer Ryan Helsley will likely continue to face restrictions on his usage in the second half of the 2024 MLB season.
Ryan Helsley Facing Usage Restrictions in Second Half
A Stellar First Half
Helsley had a historic first half for the Cardinals. He recorded a 2.14 ERA through 41 appearances and a pre-break franchise-record 32 saves. He has provided stability and dependability to a Cardinals bullpen which has been a major strength this season. At his current usage rate, he is on pace to record 60 saves this season.
Restrictions on Usage
Manager Oliver Marmol has opted to remove Helsley from many of his typical high-leverage outings this season. Unsurprisingly, this decision drew the ire of many Cardinals fans. In 2023, Helsley had 10 appearances exceeding one inning of work, while so far in 2024 he has only one. The Cardinals even turned to 27th-man Kyle Leahy for the save in the second game of their doubleheader against the Braves on July 20th. He has had no appearances in a non-save situation except for on July 21st. That was an apparent attempt to get him acclimated to the second half.
#STLCards All-Star closer Ryan Helsley is pitching today’s ninth inning in a non-save situation. It is his first time pitching since July 13.
Helsley, who has an MLB-best 32 saves, did not pitch in the MLB All-Star Game because of nagging hip tightness.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) July 21, 2024
Helsley has dealt with injuries and availability issues in the past. He also made the decision to sit out the All-Star Game and was replaced by Washington Nationals reliever Kyle Finnegan. His fastball, which often sits at 100+ mph, has a history of wearing down his arm through frequent high usage. The Cardinals have made clear their intention to use Helsley in a strictly traditional closer role through their bullpen management. However, Helsley is seemingly happy with his confined role and, as a result, has been having a career year.
“In years past, I was the multi-inning guy, throwing in the seventh or eighth inning,” Helsley reflected, “And it made it a little harder being prepared every day, you know? I was almost getting caught by surprise a little bit. Just knowing I strictly have the ninth, whether we’re tied or up by three, has helped me prepare better and know my role.”
Helsley’s Second Half Outlook
Although Helsley is no longer available for four-out saves or setup work, his dominant presence has been felt by the Cardinals in his role as a closer. Productively, other members of the Cardinals bullpen have taken on the burden of the 7th and 8th innings. Rule-5 Draft Pick Ryan Fernandez has a 2.17 ERA through 38 appearances this year. Similarly, left-hander John King has a 2.43 ERA in 33 appearances for the Cardinals this season.
Despite his restrictions, Helsley has still been the crown jewel of the Cardinals bullpen. In the first half, St. Louis played 28 games which were decided by one run, going 18-10 in those situations. Although Helsley’s restrictions prevent him from impacting the game in a broader manner, his dominant transition to the closing role has been a major factor in these tight games. This usage is further complicated by the fact that, were Helsley to be injured, the Cardinals have no apparent successor for his role. One-time closer Giovanny Gallegos has missed most of 2024 with a shoulder injury and has struggled since his return.
Given these factors, it seems likely that Helsley will continue to be used only in save situations. Although he is not on a specified innings restriction, it is clear that the Cardinals want to ensure his availability down the stretch at all costs.
Photo Credit: © Jeff Le-USA TODAY Sports
