Ryan Helsley Struggles Again, Surrenders Home Run in Cardinals’ Defeat Against Tigers
In a disappointing performance on Wednesday, Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley gave up yet another home run in his team’s loss to the Tigers.
Helsley, who has been struggling on the mound lately, had a rough outing against the Tigers, allowing a total of four runs in just two innings of work.
The 26-year-old right-hander has now given up a home run in each of his last three appearances, causing concern among Cardinals fans and coaches.
Despite his struggles, Helsley remains confident and determined to bounce back from this rough patch.
“It’s frustrating, but I know I have the ability to get outs and help this team win,” Helsley said after the game. “I just need to make some adjustments and keep working hard.”
The Cardinals will need Helsley to find his form soon as they continue their push for a playoff spot. With a record of 69-63, they currently sit just two games back in the National League Wild Card race.
Manager Mike Shildt also expressed his confidence in Helsley, stating that he believes in the pitcher’s talent and resilience.</p
Mets’ Manager Addresses Ryan Helsley’s Struggles Following Wednesday’s Loss
The New York Mets made a bold move at the trade deadline, acquiring relief pitcher Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals. After a stellar 2024 season where he was named the National League’s Reliever of the Year, expectations were high for Helsley.
However, since joining the Mets, he has not lived up to those expectations. He has struggled to keep the ball in the ballpark, frustrating fans with home run after home run.
This was evident in Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Tigers, where Helsley gave up a crucial three-run home run in the seventh inning, leading to a 6-2 loss for the Mets. After the game, manager Carlos Medoza addressed Helsley’s struggles in a press conference with reporters from Fox Sports.
“Yeah, I mean that’s the frustrating part here that this is a guy, you look up and he’s 102 (mph), and they continue to take some really good swings, and then the way they are taking the breaking ball, too, and I don’t think it is tipping related. He made some adjustments,” said Mendoza. “How do we help this guy? Because right now, we are not doing that, and when you got that type of stuff and they keep hitting it like that, something is going on here.”
Many may speculate that Helsley is tipping his pitches, but Mendoza does not believe that is the case. So, what could be causing Helsley’s struggles?
One possible explanation could be his new role with the Mets as a high-leverage setup man, rather than his previous role as a closer with the Cardinals. This change in position may seem minor, but it can have a significant impact on a pitcher’s performance, as seen with Craig Kimbrel’s struggles after joining the Chicago White Sox.
Kimbrel, a dominant closer, struggled after being moved to a setup role with the White Sox, showing that even small changes can affect a pitcher’s performance.
Hopefully, Helsley can regain his confidence and return to his dominant form on the mound. The Mets will need his help if they hope to make a postseason run this year.
