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Two of the American League's most important arms went on the injured list Friday, dealing significant blows to playoff-contending rosters on the Fourth of July.
The New York Yankees placed left-handed starter Carlos Rodón on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation, ESPN reported. The same day, the Baltimore Orioles placed closer Ryan Helsley on the 15-day IL with right elbow discomfort.
Helsley's timeline has a clearer origin point. He felt discomfort in his right elbow while warming up during Wednesday's win over the Chicago White Sox, two days before the Orioles made the move official, according to ESPN.
Rodón's placement was announced Friday without additional detail beyond the elbow inflammation diagnosis.
Elbow injuries for pitchers carry particular weight given their potential to develop into more serious structural damage. Both players are significant to their teams' chances in the second half of the season. Rodón has been a key piece of the Yankees' rotation, and Helsley has been relied upon as Baltimore's primary closer.
The back-to-back announcements on the same day add urgency for both front offices heading into the trade deadline period, when teams typically look to shore up pitching depth.
