MLB rumors: White Sox injury’s impact, Red Sox extension, Astros draft strategy
By Kevin Henry
MLB Rumors: Chicago White Sox get Joe Kelly injury news at a tough time
With the White Sox placing reliever Joe Kelly on the 15-day injured list prior to Chicago hosting the Toronto Blue Jays in a doubleheader on Thursday, the team may have seen some potential trade value in the 35-year-old right-hander evaporate.
Dealing with inflammation in his right elbow, Kelly has had an up-and-down season on the South Side. In his final six appearances in June, Kelly allowed just three hits over 6.0 scoreless innings. However, with three walks issued in those outings and a FIP of 3.29 during that stretch, Kelly also benefited from some good luck and fortunate outs during the process as well.
That luck ran out when the calendar hit July, however. He has had back-to-back outings where he has allowed two runs in an inning pitched, causing his ERA to spike to 4.82.
While Kelly may not have the numbers this season, his past experience with the Cardinals, Red Sox and Dodgers (40 postseason appearances) could draw interest from other teams (along with a 2024 team option that could be friendly for other squads as well). However, this injury may have teams rethinking a Kelly acquisition at the trade deadline, a problem for a White Sox team that should be a seller after the All-Star break.