WASHINGTON – Orioles closer Ryan Helsley made about 30 throws today from 75 feet to test his injured right elbow, the second day in a row that he’s done flat ground work.

Helsley is expected to stay on this progression for two weeks before going on an injury rehab assignment. A mid-June return is feasible.

“I’m optimistic that he’s throwing a baseball and he feels good about it,” said manager Craig Albernaz. “I think there’s a progression just like anything and we want Helsley to make sure that he’s checking all the boxes he needs to check. But very encouraged with where he’s at right now with him throwing and how he’s feeling about when he’s throwing.”

Leody Taveras is in center field this afternoon and Tyler O’Neill gets another start in right as the Orioles try to even the series against the Nationals.

Samuel Basallo is the designated hitter again. Coby Mayo stays at third base and Jeremiah Jackson stays at second.

Chris Bassitt has registered a 5.21 ERA and 1.737 WHIP in eight games. He followed opener Keegan Akin in his last appearance and allowed one run in six innings against the Athletics.

Left-handers slugged .623 against Bassitt in his first five games but are slugging .333 over the last three.

Bassitt is 3-0 with no runs allowed in 21 innings against the Nationals in his career. Curtis Mead is 2-for-3 with a home run.

Taylor Ward hit .252 against fastballs last season but is batting .316 this season.

Right-hander Cade Cavalli, the 22nd-overall pick in the 2020 draft out of the University of Oklahoma, has made nine starts for the Nationals and posted a 4.02 ERA and 1.587 WHIP in 40 1/3 innings. He’s surrendered only one home run.

Cavalli has allowed two earned runs or fewer in seven starts. He’s never faced the Orioles.

Pete Alonso is 1-for-3 with a double against him.

For the Orioles
Gunnar Henderson SS
Taylor Ward LF
Adley Rutschman C
Pete Alonso 1B
Samuel Basallo DH
Tyler O’Neill RF
Leody Taveras CF
Coby Mayo 3B
Jeremiah Jackson 2B

Chris Bassitt RHP

The Orioles hired former infielder Terrin Vavra as a Florida Complex League staff assistant, helping with player development.

Vavra, who turned 29 last week, appeared in 68 games with the Orioles over parts of three seasons, including 40 in 2022. He batted .252/.329/.302 and was on the 2023 Opening Day roster.

For the Nationals
James Wood RF
Luis García Jr. 1B
José Tena 3B
CJ Abrams SS
Daylen Lile LF
Nasim Nuñez 2B
Keibert Ruiz C
Jorbit Vivas DH
Jacob Young CF

Cade Cavalli RHP