Joe Kelly’s injury and recent struggles have opened the door for Brent Honeywell Jr. to make his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen. Despite being one of the top teams in baseball this season, the Dodgers have faced ongoing challenges with their bullpen’s consistency, frequently shuffling pitchers to address new issues as they arise. On Saturday, the team placed Kelly on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, adding to their already extensive list of injured pitchers.
Before his injury, Kelly had been struggling on the mound, posting a 7.71 ERA with an 18.2% strikeout rate and a 13.6% walk rate in August. His inconsistency led Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to publicly acknowledge the veteran’s difficulties, particularly after a rough outing against Tampa Bay on August 24. Roberts noted Kelly’s erratic performance, pointing out that while Kelly had some strong appearances, his inconsistency remained a concern.
With Kelly sidelined, the Dodgers have recalled Honeywell Jr., who has been one of their more reliable relievers this season, boasting a 2.45 ERA over 25.2 innings. Although he was recently designated for assignment, Honeywell now has another opportunity to prove himself in the big leagues.
Honeywell, a second-round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2014 MLB Draft, has seen his career marred by injuries, including four arm surgeries over the past decade. He has played for several organizations, including the Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, and now the Dodgers. Los Angeles is hopeful that Honeywell can finally solidify his place in the majors.
As the Dodgers enter the final month of the season, reliable bullpen arms are crucial for their World Series aspirations, making Honeywell’s performance even more significant.
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