Joe Kelly Activated From IL Before Red Sox-Dodgers Series

The Boston Red Sox, fresh off the MLB All-Star break, will begin the second half of their 2024 campaign against the Los Angeles Dodgers and old friend Joe Kelly.

Los Angeles activated Kelly from the 60-day injured list hours before the series opener on Friday night at Dodger Stadium, just in time for the three-day interleague clash versus the right-hander’s former club. Kelly landed on the team’s injured list on May 6 due to a strained right shoulder injury, prompting the 61-game-long absence and ending the 36-year-old’s first half with a logged 4.73 ERA through 13 1/3 innings of relief.

Kelly made five rehab appearances in the minor leagues, including three in Triple-A. He allowed four earned runs during one of those appearances in Triple-A but didn’t leave the mound with any lingering issues.

Kelly spent five seasons with the Red Sox, helping the franchise reach and win the 2018 World Series. The two-time champion spent the offseason contemplating retirement before returning to the Dodgers on a one-year, $8 million contract agreement in December.

The Dodgers currently lead the National League West while the Red Sox own the American League’s third wild-card spot, sitting just 4 1/2 games behind the Baltimore Orioles for the top spot in the AL East.