The Orioles got their closer back.

Ryan Helsley was reinstated from the 15-day injured list this afternoon after making two appearances on his rehab assignment.

The counter move sends rookie Anthony Nunez back down to the minors. The Orioles optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk after Sunday’s game.

Helsley went on the IL with right elbow inflammation after recording his seventh save on April 28. He’s posted a 2.53 ERA in 12 games, with seven scoreless appearances out of his last eight.

The rehab assignment with Norfolk was brief. Helsley tossed a scoreless inning with three strikeouts on Thursday and a scoreless and hitless inning with two more strikeouts on Saturday. His fastball sat in the upper 90s and he didn’t report any discomfort in the elbow.

The only box that didn’t get checked was appearances on back-to-back days, but the Orioles decided that Helsley was ready and flew him to Seattle, where they begin a nine-game road trip.

Nunez was optioned in camp but added to the Opening Day roster after Keegan Akin went on the injured list with a strained groin. His 32 appearances are tied with Yennier Cano and Rico Garcia for the team lead and he’s recorded three saves, but his ERA grew to 4.98 in 34 1/3 innings.

Nunez allowed four earned runs with 18 strikeouts in his first 14 games over 15 1/3 innings, but he was charged with 13 runs and 13 hits with eight walks last month in 11 2/3 innings.

The results were better this month in his five appearances, with both runs allowed scoring June 8 against the Mariners. Nunez worked 2 1/3 innings in that game.

A hit and walk in the eighth inning Sunday didn’t hurt Nunez – he picked off Xander Bogaerts – but it became his last appearance with the Orioles until they recall him later this season.

Today’s move provides Nunez with a reset and also can assist in controlling his workload. He’s two years removed from being a position player and can’t stay on a pace that puts him among the innings leaders in the bullpen.

The injured list is back down to 10 players.