The White Sox are one step closer to getting a major addition to their bullpen.
The Triple-A Charlotte Knights announced in a press release that right-handed pitcher Joe Kelly will begin his MLB rehab assignment today with the affiliate.
Kelley, 33, is currently on the injured list with a right biceps nerve injury. He previously struck a two-year, $17-million contract with the South Siders in mid-March, though has yet to make his debut with the club.
The righty is coming off an impressive three-year stint with the Dodgers. Over that period, he went 7-4 in 115 games, posting a 27% strikeout rate and 9.8% walk rate. His primary pitch is his curveball, followed by a sinker, changeup, and fastball. In 2021, he had a 2-0 record, two saves, and 2.86 ERA in 44 innings.
In Kelly, the White Sox will soon add another high-leverage reliever with some critical postseason experience. He has seen appearances in the 2012-13, 2016-21 postseasons, a total of 58.1 innings with a 3.55 ERA. This type of background is something the White Sox have been lacking, and is certainly welcomed for a team still vying to make some noise in October.
We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on today’s action in Charlotte. First pitch is set for 12:05 p.m. CT.
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