The Los Angeles Dodgers announced ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates that they have placed reliever Joe Kelly on the bereavement list and recalled outfielder Kyle Garlick from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Kelly must miss a minimum of three games, but no more than seven according to the rules of Major League Baseball’s bereavement list, which may be used when a player finds it necessary to leave the team to attend to a serious illness or death in his (or his spouse’s) immediate family.
In 17 games for the Dodgers this season, Kelly has pitched to a 7.79 ERA, 4.59 FIP and 1.73 WHIP with 17 strikeouts and six walks in 17.1 innings. Kelly signed a three-year contract with the Dodgers in the offseason and after getting off to a rough start with his new team, he has pitched better as of late, allowing just one hit and one run in four innings across his last four appearances.
This is Garlick’s second stint with the Dodgers after he spent a few games with them last week. He only got one at-bat, flying out to center field in his Major League debut.
Garlick has swung the bat well with Oklahoma City this season, hitting .280/.375/.627 with 10 home runs and 20 RBI in 35 games.
With Kenta Maeda due back from the injured list to start Sunday’s series finale against Pittsburgh, Garlick’s second stint with the team may be as short-lived as his first.