The National League has a new ERA leader.
After last night’s scoreless third of an inning of work, a third of an inning which stopped a ferocious Reds rally (they haven’t scored since) and led the Dodgers to victory (that’s why Joe Kelly was the “winning pitcher,” a technical term), Joe Kelly’s ERA in the National League this season is 0.00. This ties him for best on the senior circuit, with Luis Guillorme, Tucker Barnhart, the late Packy Naughton, and 24 others at his side.
Other Joe Kelly stats from last night:
- He hit 100 mph again. Keeps doing that.
- He got a standing ovation from Dodgers fans, as is deserved.
- His current mustache pairs well with the glasses and the shock of hair coming out the back of that hat.
- The Dodgers are undefeated this year in games in which Joe Kelly is active.
- Joe Kelly is wearing number 17 for the Dodgers, as he did the last time he was with the Dodgers and as he did for the White Sox.
- We need to convert the haters to judging relief pitchers by xERA and FIP.
- Rumors say the Reds briefly tried to trade all their assets last night after facing Kelly, briefly forgetting that they wouldn’t have to face him every single inning for the rest of the season as they only play the Dodgers one more time in 2023.
- Reports also hold that Elly De La Cruz had a long look in the mirror last night after witnessing Joe Kelly at work, saying quietly to himself, “Was I ever an exciting player? Or do I just play in Cincinnati?” Further reports say De La Cruz woke up this morning in a Joe Kelly shirsey and rededicated himself to electrifying baseball fans. Experts compared this to a badass dolphin seeing a badass orca and realizing how much is out there to aspire to.
