NOTHING! THAT’S WHAT IT MEANS. NOTHING!
Joe Kelly allowed his first home run of the year last night, yielding a deep fly ball to Oakland’s Brent Rooker. For Rooker, it was bittersweet. I imagine everything is bittersweet for Brent Rooker right now. Even when the man does something historic, like homer off of the greatest relief pitcher of his generation, he does it knowing next year he’ll be playing all his home games in a minor league park.
Kelly pitched well after the home run. 1–2–3 inning if you don’t count the dinger. And honestly? We knew a long ball would come eventually. In 12 of his 13 major league seasons, Joe Kelly has allowed at least one home run. Of course, it’s pretty impressive that he didn’t allow any that one year, and the fact he made it this far into 2024 without letting anyone take him deep? Boggles the mind. Joe Kelly keeps the ball in the yard. Almost always.
In addition to marking Joe Kelly’s first allowed homer of the season, Rooker scored only the second run Joe Kelly has allowed since April. If you noticed yourself feeling clearer, lighter, and healthier these last three months, it was because Joe Kelly only allowed one run during them. Great run. Great, great run, and unlike the homer-less stretch, this one can continue. Should Joe Kelly yield another run before the end of time, it’ll be only the third he’s allowed since April.
Attending to practical matters: Joe Kelly threw twelve pitches last night. He threw eight on Wednesday. He should be fresh and available today if the Dodgers need him, but most of the LA bullpen should be fresh and available for Jack Flaherty’s debut. Jack, meet Joe. He’s got your back.
