Dodgers News: Joe Kelly Didn’t Expect the Warm Welcome Back He’s Gotten from Fans
After a disastrous season with the Chicago White Sox for both him and fellow pitcher Lance Lynn, Dodger reliever Joe Kelly was acquired at the deadline by Dodgers GM Andrew Friedman in a return home.
Much to his surprise, the hard throwing righty didn’t expect such a resounding positive response to his second stint in Dodger blue.
“A little crazy, it wasn’t what I expected but it’s always fun to see. It’s with anyone who’s had success here — you win a ring here — once a Dodger, always a Dodger. Even when I was on the road, there was always Dodger fans when I was on the other team and they’d come up to me and be like, ‘hey, miss you.’ But, ultimately coming back and making it full circle, it’s something exciting and something that I love. This is home. It’s special, it’s something that I never take for granted.”
via Kirsten Watson, Sportsnet LA
From the horrors of a disappointing season on the South Side of Chicago, both Lynn and Kelly were having seasons to forget as the White Sox were tumbling in the standings and indicated that they were clear sellers at the deadline.
Los Angeles’ front office came calling and acquired the services of both pitchers in a deal that’s paid off for with results trending upward on the mound for the two arms.
“Being a part of winning baseball is always fun.” Joe Kelly speaks with @kirsten_watson about his first week back with the #Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/jtUzltsdJ6
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 11, 2023
Lynn has won his first two starts with the Dodgers only allowing four runs across 13 innings of work, eating valuable innings for a team that’s needed some rotational depth, even with Clayton Kershaw’s successful return.
Kelly to his own credit has been lights out since returning back to Chavez Ravine, rattling chains the likes of Fernando Tatis Jr. in San Diego and punching out batters with his triple digit fastball fans have grown accustomed to.
The mission for Kelly remains the same as his first stint with the team and that’s to win a championship with the squad that put a lot of faith in him.
Along with fellow deadline adds in Amed Rosario, Kiké Hernández and fellow reliever Ryan Yarbrough, Kelly and Lynn’s additions to the Dodgers have been monumental successes.
Mariachi Joe is back where he belongs and even if he’s surprised by the reaction to his return, LA’s fans will continue cheering for a long time crowd favorite and his great pitching.
Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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