RADIO
San Diego Padres prospect Casey Kelly, who hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2012, is finally nearing a return after extensive elbow issues and reportedly will be stretched out as a starter in camp this spring.
Still only 25-years-old, Kelly has long been considered one of the top prospects in the Padres organization, but injuries have prevented the right-hander from taking off. He finally made his Major League debut three seasons ago, ultimately finishing 2-3 in six starts with a 6.21 ERA and 1.69 WHIP, before underdoing Tommy John surgery in the very beginning of the 2013 season. This past year, he was shut down due to elbow soreness after only a few starts in the minor leagues.
Even if Kelly finally gets healthy, it is still undetermined what impact he could have in San Diego for the upcoming season. The club signed James Shields to a four-year deal to be their new ace, and behind him they have a ton of starting pitching depth consisting of Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross, Ian Kennedy, Brandon Morrow, Josh Johnson, Robbie Erlin, and Odrisamer Despaigne. Additionally, they have Cory Luebke returning from injury as well.
At the very least, Kelly could solidify himself again in the minor leagues and potentially be used as a trade chip, considering the Padres made more significant trades than any other MLB team this offseason.
