Dodgers: Joe Kelly Discusses Possible Return to LA

The reliever stated that there's 'mutual interest' between he and the Dodgers.

Jul 30, 2020; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Kelly (17) throws to Arizona in the seventh inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK Mlb Los Angeles Dodgers At Arizona Diamondbacks

Reliever Joe Kelly is one of the many free agents in wait-and-see mode due to the current MLB lockout. Despite the Dodgers declining his $12M option before the lockout, Kelly is all-in on returning to the LA bullpen.

During an interview with David Vassegh of AM570, Kelly stated that the Dodgers organization has communicated a desire to retain the reliever.

“Obviously, I want to come back and be a Dodger and the interest is mutual. So we gotta make something happen."

During a subsequent question Kelly stated, "I love LA".

Evidently, the former UC-Riverside Highlander would like to continue to pitch for his hometown team.

Kelly also gave his thoughts on how quickly players will sign once the lockout ends. 

“Once it’s [the lockout] is over, we’re all going to sit down. The signing period is going to be like basketball. Guys are going to be signing at 4 A.M. in the morning.”

In 2021, Kelly recorded a 2.86 ERA in 44 innings pitched. He missed the entirety of April with a shoulder injury and suffered a bi-ceps strain in Game 5 of the NLCS.

Kelly is confident those injuries are behind him.

"[My] arm is definitely going to be ready for the season.”