Dodgers: David Price Gets the Call to Join NLCS Roster, Kelly Off
I’m sure you’ve already heard plenty of how much the Dodgers’ bullpen has meant to this team this season. They’ve absorbed a lot of innings with the absence of key starters. Of course, that meant more wear and tear would take place in the relief corps.
An example of that happened during Game 5 of the NLCS as Joe Kelly exited the game in the first inning with a bicep injury. The Dodgers had planned on a bullpen game anyway, but Kelly struggled in the first only recording two outs and allowing a two-run home run. It was later revealed that Kelly would miss the remainder of the season.
Joe Kelly’s injury leaves a hole in the bullpen, one that will be filled on paper by left-hander David Price. It was announced earlier today that Price will be added to the NLCS roster and will join the team in Atlanta.
David Price will replace Joe Kelly on the NLCS roster.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) October 22, 2021
The 36-year old veteran hasn’t appeared in a postseason game at all this year, despite being on the NLDS roster. In fact, the last time Price pitched this season was October 2 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
His addition is a little worrisome as Price has not found much success in the bright lights of October. For his career, he’s posted a 5-9 record with a 4.62 ERA in 99 1/3 innings. He’ll likely be called upon to eat up an inning or two in low leverage situations. That would surely be the case if the Dodgers were to replicate their offensive output from game 5 in games 6 and 7.
Max Scherzer gets the ball to start game 6 for LA in Atlanta on Saturday.
Let’s hope that Price gets his act together and be effective.
Understand the move but thinking I might have gone with Mitch White. He really looked good coming down the stretch and would be an innings eater as a bulk guy. I’d throw him out there before the Cat man who the Braves have treated like a batting practice pitcher!
I hope Price gets his act together and pitch more effectively. He may have made the 26 man roster, but I don’t see him coming in unless Dodgers up by 9 runs late!! 🙂
I’d go so far as to remove Gonsolin from the WS roster. Maybe he’s just not right physically. He’s not fooling anyone.