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Andrew Kittredge Takes Loss on Friday, Sees Value Fall in Baltimore Committee
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge took the loss in Friday's 7-6 defeat to the Atlanta Braves, allowing four unearned runs on two hits over two-thirds of the 10th inning. A throwing error by Jackson Holliday brought home the go-ahead run before Kittredge recorded two strikeouts, but Matt Olson followed with a three-run homer. Because all four runs were unearned, Kittredge's ERA dropped from 3.86 to 3.77. The larger fantasy concern came one inning earlier, when Tyler Wells worked a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts in a tied game. Wells ranks 53rd in RotoBaller's weekend waiver rankings with a 12-team recommendation, while Kittredge was left off the list after carrying a 15-team tag at midweek. Nearly every Yahoo waiver wire still has Kittredge available, with his roster rate at 6%. He remains worth monitoring in deep saves leagues, but Friday's usage pushed him further behind Wells and removed any urgency in standard formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Andrew Kittredge Remains a Deep-League Waiver-Wire Target
Across 28 innings (32 games) in 2026, Baltimore Orioles right-hander Andrew Kittredge has recorded a 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 25 strikeouts, and three saves. While the 36-year-old's overall line and his 20.7% strikeout rate are both middling, Kittredge has emerged as a ninth-inning option in Baltimore in recent weeks, with Orioles closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) currently on the 60-day injured list due to an elbow injury. Baltimore has also given save chances to right-hander Tyler Wells, who has pitched to a 2.94 ERA with a 20.6% K-BB rate so far this season. Still, dating back to June 24, Kittredge has now logged 11 consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run. Kittredge may not see every save chance for Baltimore the rest of the way, but he still profiles as a worthwhile waiver wire target in deeper league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Helsley is Moved to 60-Day Injured List
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day Injured List on Sunday. Helsley has been on the shelf since July 3 due to right-elbow discomfort. The right-hander is currently dealing with inflammation around his UCL. The O's are currently having Helsley rest before they hopefully ramp him up soon. The decision to move Helsley to the 60-day IL clears a spot on the 40-man roster for catcher Sam Huff. Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge should continue splitting up the save chances in Baltimore. Helsley is unlikely to contribute again until late August or September.
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Orioles Turn to Tyler Wells for Friday's Save, Emerging as Priority Closer to Roster
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells picked up his third save of the season on Friday, allowing one hit and one walk while collecting a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning of his team's 3-2 win over the Houston Astros. The 31-year-old appears to be grabbing hold of the full-time closer role in Baltimore, as he's earned three saves while allowing just one earned run across eight innings (seven games) in July. Wells' overall numbers for the year are strong as well, as he's pitched to a 2.96 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 47 strikeouts across 45 2/3 innings. He's struck out 25.8% of the batters he's faced while logging a stellar 6.0% walk rate. Fantasy managers in need of saves should consider Wells a priority waiver wire target.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tyler Wells Still the Best Bet for Saves in Baltimore?
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Tyler Wells picked up saves on July 3 and 4 after Ryan Helsley (right elbow discomfort) returned to the injured list. He carried a 3.02 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 46:10 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 44 2/3 innings into the break, giving him the best overall profile in Baltimore's current committee. Andrew Kittredge has complicated things. He converted back-to-back saves on July 9 and 10, while Wells earned a win on July 9 and finished a 6-1 victory two nights later. There is no clean handcuff here, but Wells still offers strong ratios, strikeouts, and multi-inning flexibility at only 17% rostered on Yahoo. RotoBaller ranks him 41st for Week 16 and recommends him in 12-team leagues, compared with a 15-team recommendation for Kittredge. Wells remains the better speculative add, though managers should expect Baltimore to mix and match.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Helsley Not Dealing With Structural Damage in his Elow
Baltimore Orioles right-handed closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) has inflammation around his UCL, but the ligament isn't torn, manager Craig Albernaz told Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun. Helsley will rehab the injury with hopes of returning this year. The Orioles placed the 31-year-old veteran on the 15-day injured list on July 3 due to right-elbow discomfort. It's great news that Helsley should return this season, but it's unclear when that might be. We should know more on Helsley's potential return once he resumes a throwing program. In the meantime, it'll likely continue to be a closer-by-committee situation in Baltimore that includes Tyler Wells, Rico Garcia, and Andrew Kittredge appearing in the ninth inning to close out games for the O's. Of the three, Garcia is the most rostered (23% of Yahoo leagues), although he hasn't recorded a save since June 2. Helsley is currently rostered in 63% of Yahoo leagues while he recovers from his second elbow injury of 2026. The two-time All-Star has only thrown 15 1/3 innings in 2026 in his first year with the team, going 0-4 with a 4.11 ERA (4.66 FIP), 1.43 WHIP, eight saves, and a 21:9 K:BB in his 17 relief appearances.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Matt Weyrich
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Matt Weyrich
Is Andrew Kittredge the Closer in Baltimore?
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge secured his third save of the season on Friday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals. It was also his second consecutive save this week, after earning another on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs. With other options in the organization faltering, Kittredge has stepped in and slammed the door shut twice this week, offering some much-needed stability at the back end of the Baltimore bullpen. The Orioles have lost Ryan Helsley to an elbow injury, and while he awaits a second opinion, they are looking for someone to step up and claim the team's closer role. With back-to-back scoreless save conversions, they may have found their answer, making Kittredge a must-add in all fantasy formats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Will Andrew Kittredge Continue to See Ninth-Inning Opportunities?
Baltimore Orioles 36-year-old right-hander Andrew Kittredge picked up the save in Thursday's win over the Cubs, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning. The Orioles had multiple relievers work on Wednesday in a game that featured 16 combined runs, which is why Kittredge picked up the save. With Ryan Helsley (elbow) currently on the IL and seeking a second opinion on his right elbow, the Orioles have been turning to several relievers for saves. Kittredge has been decent this season, posting a 4.70 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with a 22:6 K:BB ratio over 23 innings. In addition to earning his second save of the season in four save opportunities, he also has four holds on the year. The Orioles relievers are hard to figure out: Tyler Wells was last week's flavor of the week after picking up back-to-back saves over the weekend, and with Helsley's return timeline up in the air, if anyone emerges from this pack as the closer, they will have immediate fantasy value. The Orioles have nine relievers with a save opportunity this season, and for fantasy managers to pick up Kittredge, we'll need to see more than one such opportunity.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Is Andrew Kittredge a Potential Saves Source to Target on the Waiver Wire?
Across 22 innings (26 games) so far in 2026, Baltimore Orioles right-hander Andrew Kittredge has recorded a 4.91 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 22 strikeouts and one save. While the 26-year-old's overall numbers aren't particularly impressive, he's been much better of late. Dating back to June 11, Kittredge has allowed just one earned run across 8 1/3 innings (10 appearances). The Orioles recently placed closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) on the 15-day injured list, opening the door for potential save opportunities elsewhere. While Baltimore has turned to right-hander Tyler Wells in recent games, Kittredge has 22 career saves and might be the most experienced option remaining in the Orioles bullpen. If he continues to pitch well and Wells were to falter, Kittredge could work his way into the ninth-inning role. In deeper league formats, Kittredge could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Helsley Going for Second Opinion on his Elbow
Baltimore Orioles right-handed closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) will go for a second opinion, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Helsley is on the 15-day injured list for the second time this year after already missing seven weeks due to inflammation in his right elbow earlier this season. After going back on the IL last Friday with more elbow injuries, fantasy managers might want to plan for the worst, which could be season-ending surgery. The 31-year-old veteran reliever was on his way to a bounce-back campaign in 2026 in his new digs in Baltimore early on before going on the IL for the first time. He's thrown just 15 1/3 innings so far for the O's and has gone 0-4 with a 4.11 ERA (4.68 FIP), 1.43 WHIP, eight saves, 21 strikeouts, and nine walks in 17 relief appearances. The two-time All-Star is worth stashing in most fantasy leagues until we know more about his timetable for a return. Tyler Wells has two straight saves for Baltimore since Helsley landed on the IL, but Rico Garcia should also factor into the saves picture for manager Craig Albernaz for however long Helsley stays sidelined.
Source: MLB.com -Jake Rill
Source: MLB.com -Jake Rill
Tyler Wells Converts Friday Save, Worth a Speculative Add?
Right-handed reliever Tyler Wells got the Baltimore Orioles' first save chance after Ryan Helsley (elbow) returned to the 15-day injured list, and he handled it cleanly. Wells retired the Cincinnati Reds in order on 10 pitches in a 3-0 win Friday, July 3, striking out one for his first save since 2023. Rico Garcia covered the sixth and seventh before Yennier Cano worked the eighth. The outing puts Wells in the mix, but it does not make him Baltimore's temporary closer. Andrew Kittredge had pitched Tuesday and Wednesday, while RotoBaller ranked Wells behind Kittredge and Garcia before the save. Wells owns a 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 43 strikeouts over 40 2/3 innings, making him a speculative add in 15-team saves leagues. His 3% Yahoo roster rate makes him easy to find, but managers in shallower formats can wait to see who gets the next chance.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Orioles Place Ryan Helsley on Injured List With Elbow Discomfort
The Baltimore Orioles announced on Friday that they placed right-handed closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 30) with right-elbow discomfort and recalled right-handed reliever Anthony Nunez from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. It's a bad sign after Helsley already missed two months with inflammation in his right elbow earlier this year. The 31-year-old two-time All-Star has gone 0-4 in his first year with the O's with an elevated 4.11 ERA (4.68 FIP), 1.43 WHIP, eight saves, 21 strikeouts, and nine walks in 15 1/3 innings pitched. Helsley will now be out through the All-Star break and could struggle to return to Baltimore before the calendar flips to August. Veteran Andrew Kittredge could get some save opportunities given his experience, but the name fantasy managers want to target off the waiver wire is Rico Garcia, who picked up his first four career saves back when Helsley was on the IL the first time.
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Rico Garcia Back on the Waiver-Wire Radar in Baltimore?
Baltimore Orioles reliever Rico Garcia is back in the saves conversation, though fantasy managers should not assume he is next in line. Ryan Helsley (elbow) felt discomfort while warming for the ninth inning on Wednesday, and Andrew Kittredge ended up handling the inning instead. That leaves the Orioles bullpen unsettled, with Garcia among several relievers who could get a look for save opportunities. He has pitched well enough to remain involved, posting a (3-1) record, 2.52 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 39 strikeouts, four saves, and 11 holds over 35 2/3 innings. At 22% rostered on Yahoo, Garcia makes the most sense in 15-team formats and leagues that use the category solds. Kittredge may receive the first opportunity, while Tyler Wells, Yennier Cano, and Grant Wolfram are also in the picture. If Helsley lands on the IL, Garcia is more of a watch-list name than a priority pickup in 12-team leagues until Baltimore shows its hand.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Has Ryan Helsley Reclaimed Must-Start Fantasy Value?
Baltimore Orioles closer Ryan Helsley picked up his eighth save of the season on Friday, throwing a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout in his team's 3-1 victory over the Washington Nationals. The hard-throwing right-hander stumbled in his first two outings after returning from the elbow inflammation that sidelined him for nearly two months, allowing four earned runs across 1 2/3 innings. However, Helsley appears to have righted the ship with back-to-back scoreless outings. The 31-year-old has had some trouble with control this season, issuing a 14.3% walk rate. Still, his stuff looks as electric as ever, as he's averaged 98.8 miles per hour on his fastball and has struck out 31.7% of the batters he's faced this season. Helsley looks to be secure in the closer role in Baltimore, which gives him must-start value in most fantasy formats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yennier Cano Emerging as Top High-Leverage Reliever to Stash in Baltimore Bullpen?
Across 26 innings (35 games) in 2026, Baltimore Orioles right-hander Yennier Cano has pitched to a 2.08 ERA and 0.81 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and one save. The 32-year-old has largely been utilized in a setup role this season, which is the role he's been most effective in throughout his career to this point. However, Cano picked up his first save of 2026 on Saturday, which could be an indication that Baltimore may start to rely on him in the ninth inning. Orioles closer Ryan Helsley returned to the big leagues last week after missing nearly two months with an elbow injury, but has struggled upon his return, allowing three home runs and four earned runs across 1 2/3 innings. Cano has recorded 16 saves for the Orioles over the past four seasons, so the team has some level of comfort with deploying him as a closer. In deeper leagues, fantasy managers may want to consider stashing Cano off the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
