Unheralded reliever receives praise from Dodgers legend

High praise from a franchise icon can go a long way for a young pitcher, even if it's just a few simple words. That praise might be even more powerful after a night like Game 3 of the World Series. 

Will Klein could never have scripted such a wild season. Yet, the right-hander played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 6-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. He then found himself face-to-face with Dodgers legend Sandy Koufax in the clubhouse more than an hour after the 18-inning game concluded. 

Will Klein steps up in the moment

If not for unforeseen circumstances, Klein wouldn't have even been on Los Angeles's World Series roster. First, left-hander Tanner Scott had to be removed from the NLDS roster to have a cyst removed. He has been unable to return to game action. Second, southpaw Alex Vesia was forced to miss the World Series while dealing with what the club would only call "a personal family matter." 

Faced with a potential arms shortage, Klein was called upon to fill the last spot in the bullpen. The move proved crucial. Klein entered the tie game at the top of the 15th inning, the 10th Dodgers pitcher used on Monday night, and threw four scoreless innings, allowing only a hit and two walks. 

The 18-inning game finally ended more than six and a half hours after it began (first pitch was at 5:11 PM PST). Koufax, now 89 years old, stayed after the game to congratulate Klein in the Dodgers clubhouse with a simple "Nice going." 

Will Klein's experience was limited entering 2025

Entering the 2025 season, Klein had pitched only 7.1 innings combined for the Kansas City Royals and the Athletics. The 25-year-old was traded twice before making his way back to the majors — first from the A's to the Seattle Mariners in January for international bonus pool space, and then in June from Seattle to the Dodgers for left-hander Joe Jacques. 

The increasing injuries to the Dodgers' bullpen during the season forced the team to look for another arm, and Klein made 14 appearances the rest of the way, posting a 2.35 ERA over 15.1 innings.