Shoulder Injury Kept Joe Kelly Off Dodgers Postseason Roster For NLDS

The Los Angeles Dodgers postseason roster for the National League Division Series included a mild surprise with prospect Edgardo Henriquez receiving a spot in the bullpen, and a more unexpected development with Michael Grove making the team as well.

Joe Kelly was noticeably absent from the Dodgers’ playoff roster, which manager Dave Roberts subsequently revealed was due to injury.

“His last pitch in a simulated game, throwing a changeup, he felt something in his shoulder,” Roberts said before Game 1 against the San Diego Padres.

“So that kind of put him out of the conversation. So that was really disappointing, obviously, for Joe. He’s just not even viable. Been such a big piece of this and what he’s done in past postseasons.”

Kelly is not expected to be an option for the Dodgers bullpen if they advance to the NL Championship Series, but reaching the World Series could potentially bring him back into the equation.

“I think if we were fortunate enough to get to the World Series, I think that would be the first conversation,” Roberts said.

This marks a second time with the Dodgers that Kelly suffered an injury either leading into or during the playoffs. He was removed from their NLCS roster in 2021 after suffering a right biceps strain in Game 5.

Meanwhile, Brusdar Graterol previously suffering a right shoulder injury and Brent Honeywell dealing with a cracked fingernail, created an opportunity for Henriquez to be included on the Dodgers postseason roster as well.

“A week ago or whatever it was, Brusdar went down with the same shoulder situation. Honeywell is not available until Game 5. That left Michael and Henriquez in play,” Roberts said.

Joe Kelly’s injuries

Kelly was limited to just 35 games this season because of multiple injuries throughout the year.

He first dealt with a right shoulder strain beginning in May, and shoulder inflammation surfaced at the end of August.