Joe Kelly has been terrible for the Chicago White Sox during his time this season.
When the White Sox signed Joe Kelly, it seemed like a great addition on paper. He is a battle-tested veteran that figured to bolster the back end of the bullpen. As a bonus, Kelly has a big personality.
Things have not panned out. Kelly entered the season injured. Hidden in his contract was a stipulation that he could not pitch back-to-back days until July. That should have been a major red flag.
The White Sox placed him on the 10-day IL on April 4th with a right bicep nerve injury. He was activated on May 9th but returned to the IL less than 20 days later with a strained left hamstring.
When he has been on the field, the results have been brutal. Kelly owns a 7.45 ERA in 29 innings this year. His fastball spin is in the MLB’s 30th percentile. His 13.5 percent walk rate is the second highest in his career.
Kelly’s sinker has a run value of five this season. That is the worst total of any pitch he has thrown during his major league career. He throws his sinker 37 percent of the time which has not helped matters.
While it is fair to think Kelly’s numbers will improve next season, it is pretty evident that he is not the reliever he once was. In 2023, he will be entering his 11th season. At the age of 34, injuries and innings have piled up. Kelly is no longer durable or reliable.