Reliever Will Klein battles back from right elbow surgery to secure a last-minute spot in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ postseason bullpen this year.
Will Klein will always have his performance in Game 3 of the 2025 World Series.
With the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers tied in the series and the game moving deep into extra innings, Klein delivered four scoreless innings on Oct. 27, the longest appearance of his career.
The right-hander surrendered only one hit with five strikeouts and two walks.
Klein had pitched only 15.1 innings during the regular season and was largely included on the roster because left-hander Alex Vesia was absent.
During that World Series appearance, Klein doubled his previous single-game career high of 72 pitches. The Dodgers eventually completed a comeback and earned a 6-5 victory in 18 innings, making Klein the winning pitcher.
Klein’s chances
The question is whether the 2026 postseason could provide him with another memorable opportunity.
Klein has not appeared in a game since July 31 against the Boston Red Sox because of discomfort in his right elbow. He ended the regular season on the 60-day Injured List and did not complete a minor league rehabilitation assignment.
However, Klein has recently thrown approximately two and a half live hitting practice sessions to teammates, reaching 15 pitches.
He plans to throw another full live hitting practice session Friday and attempt to increase his workload to 20 pitches.
Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves is scheduled for Saturday. Los Angeles must submit its roster to MLB that morning.
Klein’s first full season with the Dodgers featured considerable inconsistency.
The 26-year-old right-hander went one month without allowing a run, completing 10.2 scoreless innings over 10 appearances from May 8 through June 2.
His performance changed in July. Klein allowed eight runs in six innings over five consecutive appearances, raising his ERA from 2.27 to 3.67.
Klein therefore faces two significant concerns. He has endured a long injury absence without pitching in a competitive game, and he was not performing particularly well immediately before the injury.
The Dodgers produced arguably MLB’s best bullpen without Klein. His inclusion on Saturday’s roster would represent at least a mild surprise.
Still, Klein appears healthy enough to provide an alternative if another reliever becomes injured or unavailable for another reason, as Vesia was last year.
Klein’s upside
Klein privides resilience, courage and the ability to embrace an unexpected responsibility. His World Series performance demonstrated that he can remain composed when asked to exceed his normal workload under extraordinary pressure.
He also possesses the mentality required of a reliever. Klein must remain prepared despite uncertainty, long periods without action and a role that can change immediately.
His willingness to rebuild his workload without demanding a guaranteed roster spot reflects professionalism.
Klein may not receive another October opportunity immediately, but his preparation ensures the Dodgers can consider him if their bullpen situation changes.
