One of Los Angeles’s most beloved players is back on the mound for the first time in months. Joe Kelly was activated off of the injured list earlier this week as he made his first appearance on Saturday. His presence back on the active roster is a promising sight for the Dodgers as their pitching staff has been one of their biggest weaknesses in the first half of the season.
Kelly has already begun to settle back into his consistent role as a vital relief pitcher since facing his former team, the Boston Red Sox. Already giving shut-out performances in his return, he hopes to continue that pace as the Dodgers head into their next series.
Will Joe Kelly’s reemergence on the mound be what Los Angeles needs to turn around their mid-season slump?
Joe Kelly’s Return To The Mound
Kelly was activated off of the IL on Friday, July 19. In this move, the Dodgers optioned right-handed pitcher, Michael Petersen and outrighted left-handed pitcher, Jose hernández. Joe Kelly had been out of commission since May 6. The Dodgers reaped the effects of his absence as he became just another key piece of the roster that was made unavailable.
The ailment that plagued this star player was an issue of the arm. A strain in his right shoulder sidelined him for close to three months. The injury occurred after Joe Kelly threw to a batter during their series with the Miami Marlins. He felt an immediate surge of pain before he exited the field. What looked like a short stint on the list seemed like an eternity for Kelly and the Dodgers.
Kelly’s return to action took place on July 20. His first appearance came against Boston. He faced four batters in total, striking out one and allowing one hit in his sole inning of work. His pitches were high in velocity and he looked in top form as he put up a zero on the board. He made his second appearance for the Dodgers on Sunday, July 21. During this outing, he threw 0.2 innings. In that time he allowed one hit and collected two strikeouts in the three batters he faced. His performance helped to push the Dodgers towards victory as they went on to sweep the Red Sox.
2024 Season For Kelly
Joe Kelly had only seen time in 15 games this season before Saturday night. In those 15 games, he has made quite an impact on the team’s success. After a rough couple of games in March leaving his ERA at a startling 21.60, Kelly was able to get back on track and lower it by leaps and bounds. He is now sitting at an overall ERA of 4.20 which is getting lower each time he takes the mound. In Kelly’s 17 games played, he has garnered 15 strikeouts and registered a WHIP of 1.40.
The Future For The Dodgers
The Dodgers fight to carry the momentum of their sweep into their next series with the San Francisco Giants. With Clayton Kershaw returning to action on Thursday, Los Angeles is hopeful that the return of two great superstars will propel the team into success and aid them in escaping the recent pitching woes of late. The Dodgers are sitting at a record of 59-41 with an eight-game lead in the National League West. They aim to widen their divisional lead moving forward with the help of Joe Kelly, who is back in their arsenal.
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