Dave Roberts Provides Update On When Joe Kelly Could Be Available For Dodgers in Playoffs
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced their National League Divison Series roster yesterday, and there were some surprises in it.
Dodgers veteran starting pitcher and future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw did not have a roster spot due to a toe injury and is ruled out for the rest of the season. Another surprise even who didn’t make the roster is relief pitcher Joe Kelly.
Kelly did not make the NLDS roster, and it is likely he won’t be on a roster unless the Dodgers make the World Series. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Kelly, who tweaked his shoulder in a simulated game, will not see the field unless the Dodgers make the World Series.
Kelly had a shoulder injury that sidelined him late in the season, but he was able to return from the injured list on Sept. 18 and gave up only one run while posting a 5:2 K:BB over 3.1 innings thereafter.
However, the right-handed reliever won’t be an option out of the bullpen for Los Angeles against the Padres in the NLDS. In place of Kelly will be flame thrower rookie Edgardo Henriquez, who logged just three regular-season appearances.
The 22-year-old has only spent 11 days in the major leagues and has pitched only 3.1 innings. He has allowed one run on two hits while striking out five batters. The hard-throwing right-hander touched 104 mph with his fastball in the minor leagues and averaged 98.7 mph with the Dodgers.
As for Kelly, he was solid in the regular season as he recorded a 4.78 ERA with a 1-1 record, 35 strikeouts, and a 1.47 WHIP in 35 games and 32.0 innings. In the postseason, Kelly is an excellent arm, recording a 4-3 record with a 3.45 ERA, 56 strikeouts, and a 1.27 WHIP in 60.0 innings and 41 games. He also has five starts and one save in his postseason career.
The 36-year-old was activated two weeks ago after being out since Aug. 31 with right shoulder inflammation. He made two rehab appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City, finishing with two strikeouts in a scoreless inning.
The Dodgers will now be without him for the time being. If the Dodgers live up to expectations, Kelly could pitch later this month.
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!
