January 14, 2025
Free-agent relief pitcher
Joe Kelly (shoulder) noted on the Dodgers Beat podcast that he will either return to Los Angeles or retire. His decision will come down to his health, as he is currently recovering from a shoulder injury that cut his 2024 campaign short. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the offseason, as his health will dictate the future of his professional career. The 36-year-old was limited to just 32 innings of work last season and held a 4.78 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. He struck out 35 batters but posted a high 11.2% walk rate. In 2023, the right-hander had a similar 4.12 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. If Kelly were to move past this injury and return to the Dodgers for the 2025 campaign, he would likely continue to see time as a middle reliever, as he tallied 13 holds last season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Dodgers Beat
October 13, 2024
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitchers
Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) and
Joe Kelly (shoulder) will not be available to pitch in the NLCS, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Graterol has been on the injured list since the end of September with right-shoulder inflammation. Kelly suffered a shoulder injury during a simulated game and has not taken the mound since Sept. 27. However, both pitchers could be in the mix to return in the World Series. The Dodgers will also likely be without
Alex Vesia (back) in this series. As a result, DFS managers should expect
Blake Treinen to see a majority of the save opportunities after picking up two in the NLDS, with
Daniel Hudson,
Evan Phillips, and
Michael Kopech also having high-leverage roles.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Fabian Ardaya
October 5, 2024
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher
Michael Grove was named to the NLDS roster, while right-handed pitcher
Joe Kelly (shoulder) was left off as he suffered a shoulder injury during a simulated game earlier this week. Grove has typically been deployed out of the bullpen this summer and has logged just two starts. Across 51 frames, Grove held a 5.12 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP, with a 16:54 BB:K ratio. Grove could be deployed in long relief or even in a spot start during the series. Joe Kelly operated exclusively out of the bullpen this season and posted a 4.78 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. Kelly was typically given set-up duties during the 2024 campaign but battled a shoulder injury late into the season. As a result, DFS players should expect
Evan Phillips,
Michael Kopech, and
Alex Vesia to be called upon in high-leverage situations during their tilt against the San Diego Padres.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Los Angeles Dodgers
July 12, 2024
Los Angeles Dodgers relievers
Joe Kelly (shoulder) and
Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) are both on track to return by the end of July, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Kelly is expected to return after the All-Star break, and Graterol will likely return closer to the end of the month. Kelly has missed all of June and most of May with a right posterior shoulder strain, while Graterol has not made an appearance in the 2024 season while dealing with right-shoulder inflammation. Both will be welcome additions to a Dodgers bullpen that already holds the fourth-best bullpen ERA in the league at 3.33 coming into Friday. Kelly has been subpar in 2024 with a 4.73 ERA but would likely be able to eat up the middle innings of games. Graterol will greatly help the back end of the Dodgers bullpen when he returns after posting a sub-1.00 WHIP in back-to-back seasons. Fantasy managers should look to prioritize adding Graterol to their lineups.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Jack Harris
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