Right-handed reliever Joe Kelly wants to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025 if he is healthy, otherwise he will probably retire. The fireballer is currently rehabbing from a shoulder injury. The three-time World Series champion told Alysha Del Valle of Bleed Los Podcast that he’s “…working on his physical therapy process…kinda like what Clayton [Kershaw]’s doing.” Kelly elaborated further saying, “When the time is right,” he’ll make a decision along with his family. The recovery is taking longer than anyone would like, but Kelly said, “You can’t force the healing process.”
“There is only one spot we will come back to”#Dodgers free agent Joe Kelly tells @alyshadelvalle on the @BleedLosPodcast his intentions to play in LA in 2025@BBisntBoring @bradfo @SnavelyCody6
WATCH FULL INTERVIEW:https://t.co/T53af5NRw0 pic.twitter.com/5KY2jAxXGH
— DodgersBeat (@DodgersBeat) January 8, 2025
Joe Kelly Wants to Either Remain a Dodger or Retire
Staying with the Dodgers?
Asked if he wanted to stay in LA, Kelly responded, “Oh yeah, of course. I would blame it on the shoulder if I had to play anywhere else,… I wouldn’t play… There’s only one spot we’ll come back to…if I’m healthy.” It sounds, as of now, that both Kelly and the Dodgers are forced to take a wait-and-see approach that may extend into spring training if the reliever’s timeline is similar to Kershaw’s.
Injury-Plagued Season
Kelly’s 2024 campaign was interrupted by injuries. He spent significant time on the injured list and was unable to contribute to the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series victory in large part because of a cranky shoulder. “The season didn’t end the way I wanted it to,” Kelly said. His statistics might be a reflection of playing hurt. In limited time last season, Kelly had a 1-1 record, a 4.78 ERA with 35 strikeouts and 16 walks in 32 innings.
Replacements Needed
Los Angeles has re-signed reliever Blake Treinen to a two-year deal. However, they will have to replace Daniel Hudson, who announced his retirement the night the Dodgers won the World Series.
It is very clear that the Dodgers want to run it back in 2025. It is also very clear that Joe Kelly wants to be a part of that run if he can. When asked if there’s a chance he’ll play next season, Kelly responded, “There’s always a chance.” Dodgers fans will have to wait and see how much of a chance Kelly’s return has.
Photo Credit: © Erik Williams-Imagn Images
The post Joe Kelly Says He Wants to Either Play in LA or Retire appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.