Kelly 'doing better,' but still not pitching
SAN DIEGO -- The uncertainty over Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly’s health continued when manager Dave Roberts said the right-hander wouldn’t pitch Tuesday or Wednesday. Kelly hasn’t pitched since facing two batters last Wednesday night, held out for an unspecified lower body injury.
“He’s doing better than he was a couple of days ago,” said Roberts. “The expectations is he’ll still be ready to go once the bell rings and before that. Joe can pitch right now, but there’s a cost. We talk every day. Right now, the body part isn’t quite where we want it to be.”
Roberts remained vague on exactly what’s wrong with Kelly, but insisted it’s not serious.
“I’m certain he will pitch again this year,” Roberts said. “If I’m not concerned, I don’t think anyone should be concerned.”
• Roberts again took a pass when asked on Tuesday if the Dodgers have decided on their starting rotation for the National League Division Series, which starts a week from Thursday at Dodger Stadium.
Clayton Kershaw starts this Thursday in San Diego, Walker Buehler on Friday in San Francisco and Hyun-Jin Ryu on Saturday. Roberts said they will each start in the NLDS, but not necessarily in that order.
“We’re digging into both potential opponents and see what makes the most sense,” Roberts said. “It will be known before then. Optionality is huge.”
Roberts hasn’t even announced a starting pitcher for Wednesday against the Padres, but he said Ross Stripling will either start or get the bulk of the innings in relief.
• The story of the United States’ 2000 Olympics gold medal-winning baseball team, managed by Dodgers icon Tommy Lasorda, is being made into a movie based on author David Fanucchi’s book, “Miracle on Grass.”
“I love underdog stories, especially ones involving sports,” said Ted Collins, principal of Gritty Film Productions, who purchased the rights. “I’m a big fan of baseball and Tommy Lasorda. He’s a living legend. It’s surprising to me that not too many people know about this amazing accomplishment -- how Lasorda assembled a ragtag bunch of baseball players, brought them to Sydney and beat the heavily favored Cuba. All to minimal fanfare. While most of America was asleep, [this happened in the middle of the night in U.S. time], Lasorda led the Americans to gold in Sydney.
“Tommy considers this his greatest accomplishment and did it for his beloved country. Tommy wants to leave something behind to inspire kids. He came from humble beginnings, but always believed he could accomplish anything he set his mind to. That’s the message and we’re going to make this movie for Tommy.”
“Managing the USA Baseball Team to an Olympic gold medal was the greatest achievement and proudest moment of my life,” Lasorda said. “I am thrilled to hear that Ted Collins has acquired the rights to turn David Fanucchi’s book into a movie. I will do whatever I can to lend a hand and assist them in creating an outstanding and inspirational film.”