The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Joe Kelly from the injured list last week after the right-hander has been out since Aug. 10 due to an undisclosed reason.
The team not providing an injury designation and manager Dave Roberts saying he could not discuss specifics suggest Kelly’s absence was COVID-related. After missing 15 days, he was happy to be back with the club and excited more players are to follow.
“It feels good. I feel good to be back. Especially since we’ve only got 30-something games left and this is a series we wanted to win,” Kelly said.
“I think we’re playing some good baseball and trying to get the band back together. Mookie is coming back, everyone is getting healthy, so it’s going to be a fun ride.”
Prior to returning, Kelly had been on a rehab assignment with Low-A Rancho Cucamonga, which spanned two appearances. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Kelly was “rusty” in his first game for the Quakes but that his stuff was still good. The Dodgers hope Kelly continues to perform like he did before being sidelined and that they will get the strike-throwing Joseph Kelly.
Despite the rust, Kelly “feels great” and is looking to fit back in with the bullpen.
“Just trying to come back and do my job of pitching in situations where the game is tight or if we’re in a big spot,” he said. “Definitely excited to be back. It was fun to sit next to a couple of my buds in the bullpen. They missed me and I missed them. It’s been good vibes.”
The 33-year-old is 2-0 with one save and a 3.66 ERA in 34 games this season.
Gonsolin making progress
Tony Gonsolin was placed on the 10-day IL on July 31 due to right shoulder inflammation and now nearly a month later, is throwing bullpen sessions and simulated games.
Gonsolin is scheduled to face batters for a second time and the Dodgers will decide on a next step assuming all continues to go well.
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