Joe Kelly Has to Pitch

I will give you 8 Million reasons why… but those reasons do not last forever. However, at the present juncture Dave Roberts has to find out if Joe Kelly is a viable option. Last night, he did not pitch well (and that is being kind). In his two previous outings he looked much better, while in his first outing, he was bombed. At some point in the next couple of weeks, we should start to be able to see what he is going to be out of the bullpen. He had a valid reason why he did not pitch well the last two seasons: He had a massive cyst in his shoulder that was not only painful but limited his motion. It is a wonder that he could even pitch.

He is not back to 100% yet, but he is closing in on it. In another week or two, we should know whether Joe Kelly will be a bullpen asset or whether he might be a bullpen causality! But, to get there, he HAS to pitch. He is an experienced pitcher who touches 100 MPH, but has never been consistent for long periods. He was very good during the 2018 World Series, but that has really been the last time. So, we watch, and we hold our collective breaths when Doc rolls him out. Right now, he has had two good outings and two bad outings. The leash is not long, but there is a leash and the only way to solve this riddle is for him to pitch.

Since Kenly Jansen can no longer pitch in back-to-back games, does that mean he has to give back last night’s save? (sarcasm alert) Just when fans think they have it all figured out, they don’t! Kenley Jansen is right back near the top of the list in the race for the best closer in baseball. Go figure! Most of you had him dead and buried, which means that there is hope for Joe Kelly. I have no opinion as to whether Joe will succeed and be a solid part of the bullpen or whether he will be another cast-off. He just has to pitch… and the results will be apparent. This will sort itself out!

Rants & Raves

• Albert Pujols has played a role in two Dodger wins so far. If that is it… so be it – it’s been worth it, but something tells me this story is just getting started.
• Mike Busch is starting to look like he can stick at 2B – he is moving much better than early in the season and his glove is more “confident.” I believe it is just repetition and confidence. He appears to be a hard worker and his glove at 2B could ultimately become a “plus!” I have watched several games already.
• Except for Joe Kelly, how about that bullpen?
• Muncy and Smith are getting hot at the right time.
• Mookie and JT will be fine – it is just the ebb and flow of the season and maybe both have some nagging injuries. It’s not often that you are 100% healthy anyway!

Dodgers Minor League Report

• OKC BOXSCORE OKC dropped to 3-10 as they lost 8-4 to the Albuquerque Isotopes. Andy Burns hit a 2-run HR and Carlos Asuaje was 2-3 and that was about it.
• TULSA BOXSCORE The Drillers won 4-3 beating the Wind Surge and improving to 8-7. The Drillers only had 3 hits but one of them was a 2-run HR by Jacob Amaya. Kody Hoese and Devin Mann also had hits that drove in runs. All three hits scored runs. Now that is efficiency! Ryan Pepiot started and went 4.0 innings, allowing 1 hit and no runs (1.50 ERA). Nate Robertson followed him, pitching two innings and allowing his first two runs of the year. Aaron Ochsenbein also went two innings allowing 0 hits and no runs. Zach Willeman closed it out getting his 2nd save, even though he allowed a solo HR.
• GREAT LAKES BOXSCORE The Loons also won 5-3 over the Captains. Miguel Vargas (.305/.917 OPS) and Andy Pages (.186) each hit HR’s. C Carson Taylor (who has some upside) was 2-4 with 3 RBI. Jose Martinez (22-year-old RH) started and allowed 2 ER in 4 IP (his worst outing of the year) and left with his ERA sitting at 1.35. Cole Percival followed with 3 shutout innings (1 H, 3 K. 2.53 ERA). Melvin Jiminez got his first save, pitching the last two scoreless innings (2.45 ERA).
• RANCHO CUCAMONGA BOXSCORE Rancho came up a run short as Julian Smith gave up 3 runs in the 8th and 9th. Jake Vogel got a hit and a walk and scored 2 runs (.210 BA). Aldrich De Jongh was 4-5 with 2 HR (.467/1.729 OPS). 20-year-old Jorbit Vivas was 2-5 and Brandon Lewis was 2-4. Tough luck!

Sometime Around Midnight