Dodgers fan favorite reliever might be pitching himself off playoff roster

It's a tight race for first place in the National League West as September nears, but the Los Angeles Dodgers still own the top spot.

The Dodgers have some tough series between now and the end of the regular season — the red-hot Diamondbacks, Guardians, Cubs and Padres could all be challenging matchups. LA will have to be on its game to maintain its first-place standing.

Reliever Joe Kelly hasn't played his best in recent games, though. His struggles could cost him a spot on the postseason roster with other reinforcements returning to the pitching staff soon.

Entering Friday's all-important series with the Diamondbacks, Kelly had posted a 4.85 ERA over 26 innings on the season, but his performance had taken a turn in his recent outings. The veteran clocked a 7.11 ERA in his last seven appearances over 6.1 innings entering the action on Friday night before things got far worse: 46 pitches in relief of Clayton Kershaw, 22 strikes, two earned runs allowed, and a season ERA of 5.20.

Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly must find consistency before postseason

Notably, on Aug. 24, Kelly allowed a game-winning homer to José Caballero of the Rays. The blast killed a late-game rally from the Dodgers that sent the contest to extra innings after Tampa Bay blew an early 4-0 lead. Kelly posted three straight scoreless appearances before he gave up the long ball to Caballero, and his inconsistency has become a problem for the bullpen.

LA expects some pitching reinforcements before the end of the season, and Kelly's recent slide may put him at risk of being taken off the roster. Brusdar Graterol has thrown bullpen sessions and could be ready to return as soon as early September. Tony Gonsolin may be ready to return this season in a relief role, and LA would need to open a roster spot to accommodate both arms.

Kelly still has a few weeks before the injured pitchers return to action and the end of the regular season. He'll need to find consistency on the mound to ensure his spot on the roster as the stakes get higher. Past performance hardly guarantees future opportunity, especially in October, and especially for these Dodgers.