Helsley (illness) is likely to come off the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander has been progressively building back through bullpen sessions and live batting practice sessions, and he's with the Cardinals on the current road trip. Helsley last logged game action July 29, so he's likely to be eased back in with a couple of low-leverage opportunities once he's back in the fold. Helsely's activation will require a trade, release or the placement of a player on waivers.

Helsley (illness) threw a bullpen session Sunday and is with the team on its road trip that begins Monday, the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Helsley's return is apparently imminent, with Sunday's bullpen possibly the final step toward being cleared for activation. The right-hander could potentially still face live hitters before one of the Cardinals' upcoming games as yet another benchmark in his recovery from COVID-19 infection, but under any scenario, it appears Helsley will soon be available out of the bullpen again for manager Mike Shildt.

Helsley (illness) is set to throw live batting practice at some point over the weekend, the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander continues to make his way toward activation after having conquered coronavirus infection earlier in August. Helsley has been throwing regularly for several days, and the step of facing live hitters could be the final benchmark for Helsley to come off the COVID-19 injured list.

Helsley (illness) threw a side session Monday and could potentially throw live batting practice Tuesday, Richard Justice of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Helsley continues to make good progress toward an eventual return, and he could take another important step very quickly according to Justice's report. The right-hander's level of activity Tuesday will be determined by how well Helsley recovers from Monday's session, with manager Mike Shildt remarking the team will "continue to work on the timeline" with respect to the reliever's return to action.

Helsley (illness) played catch at Busch Stadium with Carlos Martinez (illness) on Friday and is set for a bullpen session Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Helsley was one of a multitude of Cardinals players to test positive for COVID-19 in the team's recent outbreak, and he's currently starting the build-up process after recently gaining clearance for baseball activities. Helsley notably threw what was described as an "aggressive" long-toss session Saturday, and the right-hander could play a critical late-inning role down the stretch once he's back in the fold.

Helsley (illness) is expected to enter the second phase of the re-entry process for gaining clearance to resume baseball activities during the early portion of the team's upcoming 11-day, 12-game homestand, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

The hard-throwing right-hander has reportedly dealt with a slight fever during his bout with coronavirus, but this latest report seems to imply Helsley could be on his way back to full health. The 26-year-old will have to produce two negative COVID-19 test results at least 24 hours apart in order to officially enter the second phase of the re-entry process, which includes a cardiac evaluation and an antibody blood test. Helsley made two appearances during which he fired 2.2 scoreless innings before the Cardinals' season was paused for over two weeks due to the team's COVID outbreak.

The Cardinals placed Helsley (illness) on the COVID-19 injured list Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Helsley and outfielders Austin Dean and Lane Thomas were removed from the active roster after all three were revealed to be among the several Cardinals players who recently tested positive for the coronavirus as part of a team-wide outbreak. With Helsley out indefinitely and Kwang-Hyun Kim having recently been moved to the rotation, the Cardinals' closing situation appears quite unsettled as the team resumes play this weekend. Andrew Miller recorded a save during one half of Saturday's doubleheader, but Giovanny Gallegos and Tyler Webb could also be part of the late-inning mix if manager Mike Shildt takes a committee approach to the closer's role.

Helsley has tested positive for COVID-19, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cardinals had two players and one staff member test positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and Thursday, and Helsley was revealed as one of those players Friday. He's reportedly experiencing a low-grade fever as he deals with the virus. The team's weekend series against the Cubs was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak among team members, but Giovanny Gallegos could see save chances once the Cardinals return to play. Helsley will be eligible to return to the team once he produces two negative tests.

Helsley was mentioned by manager Mike Shildt on Wednesday as one of the Cardinals' top candidates to close going forward, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kwang-Hyun Kim opened the year as the Cardinals' closer, but the team has since decided to move him into the rotation. With Jordan Hicks opting out of the season, the ninth inning is wide open in St. Louis, and Helsley was one of a large group of candidates who are being considered for the job. Helsley has closer velocity, with his fastball averaging just shy of 98 mph, though he hasn't necessarily achieved closer-worthy results through his first 39.1 big-league innings. His 2.75 ERA is quite strong, but it's come with a 4.04 FIP and a 5.04 xFIP, as his 21.1 percent strikeout rate is rather unimpressive.

Helsley fired 1.2 scoreless innings in a loss to the Twins on Wednesday, allowing no hits or walks and recording two strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old has picked up right where he left off during spring training and summer camp, as Wednesday marked his second scoreless effort in as many regular-season appearances thus far. Helsley should be a constant presence in the late innings thanks to an impressive repertoire that includes a high-90s fastball.