Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Doesn’t Know When Joe Kelly Will Return

After a disappointing bullpen session, the return of Joe Kelly is questionable. Dave Roberts doesn’t know when Kelly can return to the LA bullpen.

The Dodgers acquired Kelly along with Lance Lynn from the Chicago White Sox in July. When Kelly pitched for the Dodgers, he was marvelous with a 0.00 ERA in 3.2 innings.

Kelly, 35, went on the IL with right elbow inflammation. He hasn’t had Tommy John surgery in his life, and this doesn't seem to be that severe.

The Dodgers hoped Kelly would return during the current homestand, but that won’t be the case. The Dodgers want Kelly in the postseason, so they want him to return by the middle of September. They don’t know if it is possible, though.

With his killer instinct, Kelly is a monster during the postseason, and this is something the Dodgers need. In the 2022 NLDS against the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers didn’t have a reliever with the necessary killer instinct, causing their early exit for the team with 111 wins.

Kelly played a vital role in world championships with the 2018 Boston Red Sox and the 2020 Dodgers. He injured his forearm during the 2021 NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, and the Dodgers missed him for the remainder of the series.

As a free agent, Kelly left the Dodgers after the 2021 season and signed a 2-year deal. In Chicago, he pitched well when healthy.

The Dodgers need him to return healthy and breathing fire for the postseason. If he does, the Dodgers probably will have a much better chance at reaching the World Series.