The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Joe Kelly off the 15-day injured list and optioned Bobby Miller before Wednesday’s game against the Miami Marlins.
Miller was optioned one day after struggling through another start. It was the latest stumble in what’s been a disappointing year for the right-hander that has included dealing with shoulder inflammation and pitching through a left knee issue.
Miller made three starts before landing on the injured list because of the right shoulder trouble that caused him to miss more than two months. He didn’t fare well in four starts upon returning and was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
It’s likely that Miller won’t pitch again for the Dodgers in 2024, including the postseason. That’s despite injury issues with Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone.
Kershaw is hopeful to return for the playoffs, but Stone is likely out for the rest of the year and Glasnow won’t return from a right elbow sprain.
Although Miller getting sent back to the Minors was a probable outcome, the Dodgers will need to fill his turn in the rotation next week.
Joe Kelly back with Dodgers
Kelly returns two and a half weeks after going on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. It was a second time this season Kelly dealt with a right shoulder injury as he previously missed more than two months with a posterior strain.
That was despite an initial expectation that the veteran reliever would not be out for an extended period of time. Kelly’s prolonged recovery process entailed being transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 16. He was reinstated July 19 and appeared in 16 games before landing back on the injured list.
Both shoulder injuries have limited Kelly to 31 appearances so far this season. He’s 1-1 with a 5.20 ERA and 1.59 WHIP.
The Dodgers re-signed Kelly during the past offseason to a one-year, $8 million contract.
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