Dodgers World Series Champion Pitcher Considering Retirement Due to Injury
Reliever with the Los Angeles Dodgers Joe Kelly is contemplating hanging up his spikes due to his shoulder injury’s protracted recuperation time.
On the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast, the seasoned player gave listeners an update on his free agency negotiations.
“I’m not completely ready just yet,” Kelly stated. “I wonder if I can reach a hundred percent.”
Because of a shoulder injury, 36-year-old Kelly did not participate in the Dodgers’ postseason run. A similar shoulder ailment kept him out for two months of the 2024 campaign.
Kelly went 1-1 and had a 4.78 ERA in 35 appearances for the Dodgers last season. In his second tenure with L.A., the Southern California native limited opponents to 31 hits while striking out 35 batters in 32 innings.
Kelly believes he will reach 100 percent, but if he doesn’t, the three-time World Series champion will likely hang up his jersey. The reliever is presently a free agent.
“Eventually,” Kelly remarked when asked about getting well. “We’ll see. And if I don’t, then f— it. But I want to get there first” before reaching out to interested teams about signing a contract for 2025.
Even if Kelly decides to pitch in 2025, there is no guarantee the Dodgers will add the veteran to the bullpen given the crowded roster.
As of now, L.A.’s eight-man bullpen features Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, Kirby Yates, Blake Treinen, Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and Anthony Banda.
It’s crucial to note Phillips and Kopech will likely be on the injured list to open the season, which leaves three available positions.
Other candidates to fill a spot in the bullpen are Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May. Depending on who wins the No. 5 starting slot in the rotation, the other will likely end up pitching in relief.
Earlier this offseason, Kelly made it sound like it would be Dodgers or bust in terms of playing someplace in 2025.
“I am content all around. We have a terrific friendship.
Like I said, once I am well, it’s kinda like Clayton (Kershaw’s) agreement, there is only one spot we will come back to,” Kell said.
“It’s either that or, you know, if my body doesn’t heal as well as it wants to, then you never know. So we’ll see.”
Whether the Dodgers re-sign Kelly or not, the veteran reliever has a handful of unforgettable moments in a Dodgers uniform.
Leave a Reply