Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Joe Kelly left Game 5 of the National League Championship Series in the first inning Thursday with biceps tightness.
Kelly, who was given the start in a bullpen game and expected to pitch just one inning, never completed the task, leaving after 28 pitches. Kelly gave up a two-run home run to Freddie Freeman in the inning and had a 2-2 count on No. 5 hitter Adam Duvall when he departed.
Kelly called to the Dodgers’ bench after a changeup to Duvall that missed the strike zone and walked off the field after a short discussion. Evan Phillips replaced him and got the final strike against Duvall.
The Dodgers have been plagued with injuries in their attempt to repeat as World Series champions. They trail 3-1 to the Braves in the NLCS.
Max Muncy has not played a postseason game after he dislocated his left elbow on a play at first base in the regular-season finale. Justin Turner is done for the playoffs after he strained his left hamstring in Game 4.
Thursday’s bullpen game was necessitated, in part, because left-hander Clayton Kershaw is not available for the Dodgers because of a left forearm strain that sidelined him for the second time on Oct. 1, during the final weekend of the regular season.
Kelly, 33, was 2-0 with a 2.86 ERA in 48 regular-season appearances. He gave up one run in 4 2/3 playoff innings before Thursday’s appearance.
–Field Level Media