Notes: Kelly hopeful for playoffs; Betts rests

Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly said his scheduled Monday session throwing to batters should put him on the verge of returning from a shoulder injury in time to be a factor in the postseason.

Kelly said his shoulder is pain free and he’s throwing 97 mph, although wilder than he wants. He plans to ramp up the intensity on Monday to get closer to game conditions.

“The postseason is a big factor coming into play right now,” he said. “Still have to serve my five games [suspension]. I feel like I’ll have enough time, for sure. I’ll still throw during those five games, still can mimic getting reps in. Time is getting short. I won’t say all or nothing, but tomorrow’s a big deal to see where we’re at with mechanics and a physical standpoint.

“Not being able to play the sport I’ve loved since I was 4 years old on the best team I’ve ever been a part of – that says a lot, because I’ve been on a team that’s won a World Series – and this 2020 team, I don’t care if it’s [a] short season or long season we would have broken all the records. This is the best team I’ve ever seen, best bullpen I’ve ever been a part of, best lineup I’ve ever seen, starting pitching, defense, all around. It’s not fun watching from the sidelines. The selfish part of me wants to be a big factor on the team.”

Once healthy, Kelly must serve a five-game suspension for throwing near the head of two Houston Astros hitters on July 28, an act that endeared himself to Dodgers fans, considering Houston’s 2017 sign-stealing.

While acknowledging that he’s a “repeat offender” for being suspended, Kelly said he’s still holding a “grudge” over the original eight-game suspension he received. Kelly didn’t hit any Astros with pitches and he said, by comparison, other pitchers have received shorter suspensions (namely Aroldis Chapman).

“I was a repeater offender with one strike on my record," Kelly said. "Chapman, had the same exact thing. I probably said more than Chapman said."

Kelly was asked if he would be reluctant to pitch inside, which he’s never been shy about.

“I didn’t think about it,” he said. “I can’t change the way I pitch. ... That’s the last thing on my mind when I’m on the mound. They call a fastball inside, it’s not going to change my game plan.”

Worth noting

• Joc Pederson was out of the lineup Sunday against a right-handed starter because he’s dealing with a family matter that might require him to miss multiple games, manager Dave Roberts said, without elaborating.

• Pedro Báez (groin) threw a simulated game and continues to make progress. Justin Turner (hamstring) took batting practice, but Roberts still offered no timetable for his return.

• Mookie Betts got a breather Sunday night and was out of the lineup for the first time since Aug. 21. Gavin Lux hit leadoff and Kiké Hernández played right field.