Dodgers News: Joe Kelly Target Return Date Officially Set

Good news is coming on the Dodgers injury front as the team is expected to get a key reliever back from injury in the next couple of days.

After only appearing in four games for the Dodgers this season, Joe Kelly is expected to be activated off of the injured list and be active for Wednesday’s game against the Padres.

Kelly was acquired with Lance Lynn during the trade deadline from the White Sox in exchange for Trayce Thompson and two minor-league pitchers.

In his second stint with the team, Kelly was only able to appear in four games before going on the injured list with right forearm inflammation. Kelly was as close to perfect as he could get in those 3.2 innings. He gave up one hit and three walks while striking out seven batters.

Kelly is a Dodger fan favorite from his time on the 2020 World Series-winning team. In his first outing back at Dodger Stadium he received a huge ovation from the Dodger faithful.

The right-hander is one of two former Dodger World Champions to be brought back to the team during this season’s trade deadline. Another fan favorite, Kiké Hernandez, was brought back to the team and has been successful in the games he’s played.

As the postseason approaches, Kelly will be an important piece in the Dodgers bullpen. In his career, Kelly has a 3.55 playoff ERA in 40 appearances. The last time he pitched with the Dodgers in the postseason came in 2021.

After starting his October with a scoreless outing in the Wild Card game against St. Louis, Kelly was not able to ride that momentum and had an ERA above 5.50 for the rest of the postseason.

Kelly has not pitched in the playoffs since leaving Los Angeles.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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