As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to search for bullpen help before the MLB trade deadline arrives on July 31, one possibility that has seemingly remained off the radar is Joe Kelly.
Kelly continues to recover from a right shoulder injury that prevented him from pitching in the postseason last year and has made it clear he has interest in pitching for the Dodgers this season. Kelly not only has expressed that willingness, but said he would only extend his career if it meant re-signing with the Dodgers.
According to Robert Murray of FanSided, Kelly is expected to hold a workout with Dodgers officials in the near future:
As the Los Angeles Dodgers search for bullpen depth, one possibility has emerged: free-agent reliever Joe Kelly, with the right-hander expected to throw for the club soon, sources say.
If the Dodgers do go down the path of re-signing Kelly, they still would likely complete a trade for a relief pitcher as well:
But even if Kelly does sign with the Dodgers, bringing the right-hander back to Los Angeles for a sixth season, the team is still expected to be strongly in the market for bullpen help via trade.
Kelly made 35 appearances last season, throwing 32 innings with a 4.78 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 35 strikeouts. He spent some time on the 15-day injured list late in the year due to right shoulder inflammation, then returned briefly to make five appearances during the final month.
Kelly then suffered an unspecified right shoulder injury during a workout for the National League Division Series and was not included on the Dodgers’ playoff roster at any point during their run to winning the 2024 World Series.
Last month, the 37-year-old said he was encouraged by his rehab process and no longer feeling any pain while throwing.
Joe Kelly receives Dodgers World Series ring
Kelly was on hand at Dodger Stadium for their game against the San Francisco Giants on June 14 to receive his 2024 World Series ring.
Kelly additionally was presented with a Dodgers gold series jersey and took photos with several of his former teammates.
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