Kelly (shoulder) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Friday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.
Friday's bullpen was Kelly's second this week, marking a significant advancement in his rehab from a right shoulder strain. He's been sidelined since May 6 due to the issue and will almost certainly require a rehab assignment, which could come soon. Prior to the injury, Kelly hadn't allowed a run in 11 of 12 appearances, but he owns a 4.73 ERA on the year.
Kelly (shoulder) is on a slow program, and his return is not imminent, per MLB.com.
Kelly has been on the injured list since May 6, and he'll likely need a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining Los Angeles' bullpen given that his absence will almost certainly extend beyond a month. The veteran reliever was recently throwing from 90 feet, but manager Dave Roberts clarified Friday that Kelly isn't close to a return.
Kelly (shoulder) is set to begin his throwing program Monday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.
Kelly has been on the 15-day injured list since May 6 with a right shoulder strain, and he will now take the first step toward making his return. The right-hander will likely need to build up his workload and even potentially make a trip to the minors for a rehab assignment. Kelly will receive a timetable for his return, which currently appears to be at least a week away, based on how his shoulder responds to the beginning of his throwing program.
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Dodgers' Joe Kelly: Headed to injured list
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Kelly has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
Kelly fought off a groin issue nearly one week ago, but he'll be shut down for at least the next 15 days after picking up a new injury. The club has yet to comment on the length of Kelly's stay on the IL, however, the right-hander "didn't believe it would keep him out too long," per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports. This move clears a roster spot for Walker Buehler, who is making his season debut Monday night against the Marlins.
Kelly (groin) pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning en route to his eighth hold of the season in Friday's 4-3 win over Atlanta in 11 innings.
Kelly tweaked his groin while fielding a grounder in his relief appearance in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Diamondbacks, but a few days off was apparently all he needed to overcome the issue. He returned to action Friday to gather his fourth hold in as many appearances. Though Daniel Hudson is likely first in line for save chances after closer Evan Phillips (hamstring) went on the 15-day injured list Sunday, Kelly should move up a rung in the bullpen hierarchy as well.
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Dodgers' Joe Kelly: Tweaks groin Tuesday
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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Kelly tweaked his right groin while fielding a grounder in Tuesday's extra-inning loss to Arizona, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Kelly was checked on by a trainer after fielding a grounder and throwing to first base in the seventh inning, but he was able to stay in the game and finish the frame, picking up his seventh hold of the season in the process. Roberts said after the loss that the veteran reliever tweaked his right groin on the play and indicated that the team would assess him Wednesday. Kelly has pitched an inning in three of the past four days, and he probably won't be available for Wednesday's contest regardless of how he's feeling, per Ardaya.
Kelly signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers on Saturday, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.
The Dodgers declined Kelly's $9.5 million club option earlier in the offseason, but the team will retain the 35-year-old reliever -- likely at a lower salary. Kelly put up a 4.12 ERA and 1.19 WHIP across 39.1 innings in 2023, though his numbers significantly improved after being traded to Los Angeles from the White Sox in July (1.74 ERA, 0.87 WHIP in 10.1 innings). It's unlikely Kelly receives many save opportunities given his injury history and the Dodgers' already-strong bullpen, though he could still be used fairly often in high-leverage situations.
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Joe Kelly: Hitting open market
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The Dodgers declined Kelly's $9.5 million club option for 2024 on Sunday, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.
Kelly was acquired from the White Sox at the trade deadline but appeared in just 11 games for the Dodgers, though he pitched well with a 1.74 ERA and 19:6 K:BB over 10.1 innings. The decision comes with a $1 million buyout, and Los Angeles apparently believes it can better utilize that $8.5 million difference. Kelly's numbers with Chicago prior to the trade were less impressive, leading to a 4.12 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 42 appearances overall.
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Dodgers' Joe Kelly: Rusty in return
Rotowire
Kelly (forearm) gave up two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning in Wednesday's 6-1 loss to the Padres.
Kelly had some trouble in the seventh inning after relieving starter Ryan Pepiot. Kelly walked the first two batters he faced, and both came around to score later on a Fernando Tatis single. After missing five weeks, a little rust could be expected from Kelly, who was eased into action in a low-leverage assignment. He's posted a 4.15 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and 50:17 K:BB through 33.1 innings while picking up a save, 12 holds and six blown saves this season. Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol figure to handle most of the save chances down the stretch and into the postseason.
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Dodgers' Joe Kelly: Activated from IL
Rotowire
The Dodgers reinstated Kelly (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.
Kelly will return to the Dodgers' bullpen after a month-long stint on the IL with forearm inflammation. The 35-year-old has thrown 3.2 scoreless innings since rejoining the Dodgers in late July, and he could see a handful of high-leverage opportunities before the regular season comes to an end. Kyle Hurt was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.
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Dodgers' Joe Kelly: Aims to return Wednesday
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Manager Dave Roberts said he's hoping Kelly (forearm/elbow) can return Wednesday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.
Kelly is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Friday with Low-A Rancho Cucamonga and will make a couple of appearances before potentially returning to the Dodgers' bullpen. The veteran reliever has been sidelined since Aug. 13 due to elbow and forearm inflammation.
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Dodgers' Joe Kelly: Starting rehab assignment
Rotowire
Kelly (forearm/elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.
Kelly has been on the shelf for nearly a month with inflammation in his right forearm and elbow. The hard-throwing reliever is expected back early next week.
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Dodgers' Joe Kelly: On track for early next week
Rotowire
Kelly (forearm) is on track to be activated from the 15-day injured list early next week, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Kelly has completed multiple successful bullpen sessions since suffering a minor setback in late August and is expected to return to action during the Dodgers' upcoming three-game series against the Padres, which begins Monday. The veteran reliever landed on the injured list Aug. 13 due to right forearm inflammation.
