The Rockies announced Thursday that left-hander pa sed through waivers unclaimed and has been a signed outright to Triple-A Albuquerque. The team did not make a corresponding transaction, Cito Gaston Jersey nor had Kelly previously been designated for a signment. His outright drops Colorados 40-man roster to a count of 39 players. Kelly, 24, was claimed off waivers out of the Rangers organization back on July 15. The 2019 second-rounder went from Milwaukee to Texas in 2022s trade. He had a breakout 2023 showing in the Rangers system, splitting the year between Double-A and Triple-A while working to a combined 2.04 ERA with 11 saves, a 32.1% strikeout rate and a 9.3% walk rate. That performance had Kelly looking as though he could be on the cusp of joining the Rangers and carving out a permanent place in the bullpen. Had he continued on that trajectory, perhaps thatd have been the case. However, Kelly mi sed time with a forearm injury this season, and his control has been nonexistent when healthy. Hes posted a staggering 10.98 ERA in 19 2/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, and hes walked more batters than hes fanned. A woeful 25.4% of Kellys opponents have reached via base on balls, compared to a 23.7% strikeout rate. Hes also plunked a pair of hitters and thrown five wild pitches. Theres little doubt that when healthy and at his best, Kelly had the look of a viable big league reliever. Hes never demonstrated plus command, but in the past, his strikeout rate and an above-average ground-ball rate have helped to offset a walk rate that was a tick or two higher than average. This years injury-marred and walk-riddled season has clearly thrown the leftys future outlook into question. For now, hell stick with the Rockies Triple-A affiliate and look to get back on track without occupying a spot on the 40-man roster. As for the Rox, they now have a vacancy if they wish to claim any of the recently DFAed players or veterans whove been placed on outright waivers as teams look to shed salary. Colorado isnt likely to claim anyone whos a free agent at seasons end, but speculatively speaking, they could potentially consider taking a look at someone whos signed/controlled beyond the current season. At the moment, only the Marlins and White Sox have waiver priority over them. John Brebbia Jersey
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