Joe Kelly DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Free-agent right-handed reliever Joe Kelly (shoulder), who suffered a shoulder injury last September while with the Los Angeles Dodgers that forced him to miss the team's World Series run, acknowledged that he might retire. The 36-year-old remains open to pitching this year and continues to progress through a throwing program, but he's uncertain if he'll pitch in 2025. "I'm not 100 percent yet," Kelly said. "I want to see if I get to 100 percent." Kelly was 1-1 with a 4.78 ERA in 35 appearances out of the bullpen for the Blue last year and has gone 54-38 with a 3.98 ERA and seven saves in 485 career games (81 starts). He's pretty much done at all at this point, winning three World Series rings -- in 2020 and 2024 with the Dodgers and in 2018 with the Boston Red Sox. If Kelly does pitch in 2025, it won't be at the start of the season, and it would most likely be with the Dodgers.

Free-agent relief pitcher Joe Kelly (shoulder) noted on the Dodgers Beat podcast that he will either return to Los Angeles or retire. His decision will come down to his health, as he is currently recovering from a shoulder injury that cut his 2024 campaign short. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the offseason, as his health will dictate the future of his professional career. The 36-year-old was limited to just 32 innings of work last season and held a 4.78 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. He struck out 35 batters but posted a high 11.2% walk rate. In 2023, the right-hander had a similar 4.12 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. If Kelly were to move past this injury and return to the Dodgers for the 2025 campaign, he would likely continue to see time as a middle reliever, as he tallied 13 holds last season.

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitchers Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) and Joe Kelly (shoulder) will not be available to pitch in the NLCS, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Graterol has been on the injured list since the end of September with right-shoulder inflammation. Kelly suffered a shoulder injury during a simulated game and has not taken the mound since Sept. 27. However, both pitchers could be in the mix to return in the World Series. The Dodgers will also likely be without Alex Vesia (back) in this series. As a result, DFS managers should expect Blake Treinen to see a majority of the save opportunities after picking up two in the NLDS, with Daniel Hudson, Evan Phillips, and Michael Kopech also having high-leverage roles.