Player Cubs fans begged Jed Hoyer to sign last winter just hit the IL out of nowhere

It might feel like the Chicago Cubs have it worse than anyone on the injury front, but they're certainly not alone in their battle against the injury bug. The latest example comes in the form of Baltimore Orioles closer Ryan Helsley, who was surprisingly placed on the IL with right elbow inflammation this week.

There was no precursor to the move - which caught Orioles fans flat-footed. Helsley last pitched Tuesday, picking up the save in a clean ninth inning appearance against the Astros. He averaged north of 99 MPH on his four-seamer, right in line with his norm, and all was well.

Until it wasn't.

Helsley has been largely effective so far in his brief Orioles tenure, punching out north of 12 batters per nine, notching seven saves and working to a 2.53 ERA/2.29 FIP. His walk rate (5.9 BB/9) is high, but it hasn't stopped him from slamming the door at the back of the Baltimore bullpen.

If you'll recall, Helsley was among a number of high-profile relievers Cubs fans were clamoring for last offseason, including the likes of Edwin Diaz and Devin Williams. Helsley is the only one whose season has gotten off to any sort of a positive start, with Diaz expected to be sidelined for 'several' months after undergoing elbow surgery last month and Williams off to an inauspicious start in Queens.

The former Brewers late-winning weapon has been wildly inconsistent for the Mets. He picked up his third save of the year Friday, but entered Saturday with a ghastly 7.20 ERA and 2.100 WHIP in a dozen appearances.

As for Helsley, it's a tough blow for a guy who is looking to re-establish himself and potentially hit the open market again next offseason. So never say never - maybe Hoyer takes a second bite at the apple in hopes of solidifying the bullpen - but all three of these guys, at least in the early going, offer a clear reason why the Cubs have steered clear of this segment of the market.

There's no sure thing with high-profile arms or reclamation projects. But the latter are easily replaceable and don't handcuff you financially. When the former goes sideways, it can really hamstring a front office's ability to be effective. That's not to say Chicago shouldn't invest more in the pen, but the Helsley injury definitely serves as a reminder of what can go wrong.

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