The Dodgers are worried about Joe Kelly’s recent performance as they approach the season’s home stretch. Kelly made costly errors in a crucial game against the Tampa Bay Rays. He gave up a two-run home run to José Caballero with one out in the top of the tenth inning, which ultimately resulted in a 9-8 loss for Los Angeles. Kelly’s inconsistent play has become a reoccurring trend, even though he had pitched three hitless innings in his prior outings and had a great run. He let up a double and the game-winning home run in his most recent outing, raising doubts about his dependability under duress. Opponents are hitting.286 against him this season when he has runners in scoring position, underscoring his shortcomings in crucial situations.
His last three outings were excellent, effective, and strike-throwing, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. He recorded the first out of the game today and blasted a home run with a slider that was left in the middle. I’m not sure what the answer is when it comes to inconsistency. He works hard at times and is quiet at others. We need to look at this more.” The Dodgers had a rough start to the game as Clayton Kershaw gave up four runs in the first inning. The bullpen struggled late in the game, despite the squad rallying to take a brief lead. Michael Kopech’s scoreless run streak came to an end in the eighth inning, while Evan Phillips let up another run in the ninth inning. Ryan Brasier, Blake Treinen, and Michael Kopech originally stood firm.
Currently in his 13th season in the major leagues, Kelly’s career has been characterized by both periods of steadiness and bursts of brilliance. He was selected in the 2009 St. Louis Cardinals draft and has since played for a number of clubs, including the White Sox and Red Sox. Nevertheless, he still struggles to perform well under duress. Kelly needs to find a way to be more reliable on the mound as the Dodgers advance toward the postseason.
