Dodgers News: Joe Kelly, Michael Grove Nearing Return to LA Bullpen

With just weeks remaining in the regular season, Dave Roberts could receive some major reinforcements for his bullpen as the Dodgers prepare for October.

Two late innings options for the team have been recovering from their current ailments and could rejoin the big league team in just a few days according to the LA skipper. Those guys would be RHPs Joe Kelly and Michael Grove.

Kelly has been sidelined with an elbow issue since August 13, but has been throwing bullpen sessions that have cleared his return to the hill for some high leverage situations.

The fireballer has been excellent in his return back to LA after coming over in a trade with the White Sox at the deadline alongside Lance Lynn.

Grove’s ailment concerned lat tightness and he’s been on the shelf since August 5, but he’s close to coming back to Chavez Ravine in a new role.

After being used primarily as a starter due to a bevy of injuries to the Dodgers’ rotation in the early summer months, the rookie will now settle into a bullpen role with a chance at somebig innings in the postseason should his performance warrant it.

With many pitching questions suddenly in the way of LA’s championship pursuits, Kelly and Grove will have their crack at some postseason innings.

Though traditionally used as strictly relievers, usage of an opener in select playoff games might be on the mind of Dave Roberts considering questions around starters across the board in LA.

Nothing is out of the realm of possibility as Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May both had experiences as starters turned long relievers in the postseason, as did Julio Urias in 2020.

All hands on deck may be needed for this year and Kelly and Grove’s roles may be subject to change should they do well in these final weeks of the regular season.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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