Ryan

Helsley

Helsley got the call to guard a one-run lead in the final frame after the Cardinals erased a three-run deficit over the final two frames to pull off an impressive comeback win. It was a much-needed bounce-back effort for the 30-year-old All-Star stopper after surrendering three runs on Thursday in an ugly blown save against Chicago. He’s converted 34 of 37 save opportunities this season.

It’s the third blown save of the year for Helsley and the fourth loss of the season for the 30-year-old. He was handed a 4-2 lead going into the ninth, but the normally reliable stopper gave up a solo homer to Cody Bellinger, an RBI double to Dansby Swanson, and the game-winner on a double by Mike Tauchman. A disappointing effort, but fantasy managers shouldn’t expect this to change much both in terms of Helsley’s closing status nor their trust in him.

Helsley now has a league-leading 33 saves to go along with a 2.25 ERA in what has been a breakout season for the flamethrower. He didn’t seem impacted by the hip issue that was reported over the All-Star break and he figures to remain a key fantasy asset with the Cardinals now in the thick of the playoff race.

It doesn’t sound like a serious concern, but it’s something worth noting as Helsley heads into the second half. It’s also unclear how long he’s been pitching through the issue. The 30-year-old right-hander is reportedly available to pitch in Saturday’s doubleheader against the Braves and it doesn’t seem like the lingering issue with impact his availability moving forward. However, we’re obligated to flag the minor issue in case it develops into something much more significant.

With so many flights grounded across the country, it’s a bit surprising that we haven’t heard more of this on Friday. Helsley and Matt Carpenter are the two Cardinals’ players who may not make it in time for Friday’s game while coaches Daniel Descalso and Willie McGee are dealing with the same fate. Just something to consider when setting lineups for the weekend.

No immediate reason was given for Helsley’s removal. He had a busy first half, but considering that he’s pitched just once in the last 10 days, he’s pretty rested at the moment. It’s the first All-Star nod for Finnegan, who has a 2.45 ERA and 25 saves as the Nationals’ closer.

Helsley made things interesting as he allowed a one-out single to Seiya Suzuki — who then advanced to second on a wild pitch. He rallied though to get Ian Happ on a ground ball to third base and Christopher Morel on strikes to end it. Helsley has been an unstoppable force out of the Cardinals’ bullpen this season, posting a 2.36 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and a 48/17 K/BB ratio over 42 innings while securing 32 saves in 34 chances.

It’s the first of what should be many All-Star game nods for the studly 22-year-old hurler who has gone 5-0 with a 2.12 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and a 78/12 K/BB ratio through his first 10 MLB starts. He’ll be joined on the N.L. All-Star squad by fellow pitchers Ranger Suarez, Tyler Glasnow, Shota Imanaga, Reynaldo Lopez, Logan Webb, Chris Sale, Zack Wheeler, Ryan Helsley, Tanner Scott, Robert Suarez, Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman.

A shortcoming of the Ghost Runner rule: Helsley entered a one-run game in the 10th inning, allowed the automatic runner to score from second base, and got tagged with a blown save. He did well to get out of a jam with runners on second and third with one out when Juan Yepez lined into an inning ending double play. He hung on for a 1-2-3 inning in the 11th inning and still managed to snag the win.

Helsley didn’t allow a hit while striking out one and now leads baseball with his 31st save, which is incredible since we haven’t even hit the All-Star break yet. He’s been one of the best draft day values of the 2024 fantasy baseball season.