Clayton Kershaw put the Los Angeles Dodgers in early deficit as he labored through a four-run first inning, but the offense managed to battle back, only for the backend of the bullpen to squander the lead in a 9-8 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in extras.
Michael Kopech entered in the eighth inning and faced a bases-loaded jam. He benefitted from a baserunning blunder by the Rays and allowed just one run.
However, that meant a solo homer Evan Phillips gave up in the ninth inning tied the game. Joe Kelly then entered for the 10th and retired the first batter faced before allowing a game-winning two-run homer to José Caballero.
“That’s a great question,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts answered when asked for his assessment of Kelly’s struggles this season.
“His last two were great, efficient strike throwing. Today he left a slider middle-middle, 1-1, hit for a homer. Gets the first out, drew the infield in and I felt good about the matchup. He’s just got to go out there and make pitches, and he just left a slider (up). Good pitch to hit.
“As far as inconsistencies, I just don’t know that answer. I think there’s some times he comes in and is lights out. Other times he labors. I don’t know if it’s something we’ve got to dig into or what it is. But it’s certainly been inconsistent.”
Kelly was saddled with the loss and is now 1-1 with a 4.85 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 30 appearances this season. One area of weakness for the 36-year-old has been with runners in scoring position, as opponents are batting .286/.366/.486 in such situations.
Saturday’s game was Kelly’s first since Aug. 20. That was the last of what ended up being three consecutive scoreless appearances.
Dodgers options aside from Joe Kelly
If the Dodgers elect to look elsewhere rather than utilizing Kelly in high-leverage situations, Ryan Brasier figures to be a likely candidate.
Like Kelly, he also spent a significant stretch on the 60-day injured list this season, but has pitched to better results since returning.
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