Dodgers Get Good Will Klein Injury News Before Pirates Series

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 02: Relief pitcher Will Klein #61 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after pitching out of the eighth inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on June 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Dodgers got some good injury news from Will Klein ahead of their series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Klein told The Athletic‘s Fabian Ardaya he’s largely asymptomatic regarding his elbow injury.

Fabian Ardaya

@FabianArdaya · Follow

Will Klein said he’s largely symptom-free at this point from the loose bodies in his right elbow. Anti-inflammatories and rest helped him get his range of motion back. Will be a steady progression from here, but a positive update overall on his status.

5:49 pm · 21 Aug 2026

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That’s good news for the Dodgers, who could use every healthy arm they can get. Klein told Ardaya that rest and anti-inflammatory medications have helped restore his range of motion in his elbow. He’s up to three days of playing catch with a baseball.

While Klein isn’t in the back of the Dodgers’ bullpen, he still serves a role. In 36 appearances, the right-hander is 3-4 with a 3.67 ERA and two saves. He’s been asked to get more than three outs occasionally, with 14 multi-inning appearances on the season.

Dodgers Reliever Will Klein’s Injury Situation

The Dodgers placed Will Klein on the 15-day injured list on August 1, following a string of rough outings. In his past six appearances, the 26-year-old allowed 13 runs over 6.1 innings and took two losses.

That caused his ERA to jump from 2.29 to its current 3.67 figure. His four-seamer velocity averaged under 97 MPH in four of his previous five relief appearances, leading to his placement on the injured list.

Imaging revealed loose bodies in his right elbow. Klein is hopeful to avoid surgery, which would effectively end his 2026 season. Given the recovery time from a potential arthroscopic procedure, it’s a gamble the flamethrowing reliever can take right now.

The next step for Klein will be progressing to throwing from flat ground, then the mound. Considering his potential role for the postseason, the Dodgers shouldn’t have to worry about a long ramp-up period. It should take a short number of rehab appearances before he needs to be activated from the injured list.

Additionally, the Dodgers could choose to option Klein to the minors if they have no room. The right-hander entered the season with one option remaining, but the club has not exercised it. Klein has spent the entire season either on the active roster or injured list.