Dodgers Add Bloomington North’s Will Klein to World Series Roster
Bloomington North’s Will Klein has made headlines as he joins the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series roster. After a season marked by ups and downs, this opportunity signifies a peak in his career.
Will Klein’s Journey to the World Series
At just 25 years old, Klein’s career has seen him transition between the Dodgers and their Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City Dodgers. He was initially added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster but was not selected to participate in earlier postseason games. This changed recently when he was included in the 26-man roster for the World Series.
Performance Highlights
This season, Klein has showcased his skills, appearing in 14 games for the Dodgers. His statistics include:
- Record: 1 win, 1 loss
- ERA: 2.35
- Strikeouts: 21
- Innings Pitched: 15⅓
One of his notable performances came when he closed out a game for future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw, contributing to Kershaw’s 3,000th career strikeout.
Upcoming Games and Community Support
The Dodgers’ World Series games are scheduled for tonight and Saturday in Toronto, both starting at 8 p.m. This development has ignited excitement in Klein’s hometown of Bloomington, where many fans are eager to see him in action.
Richard Hurt, Klein’s former high school baseball coach, expressed his surprise at Klein’s selection. “He’s always been right on the cusp,” Hurt stated, reflecting on Klein’s journey between Triple-A and the majors. “This is a great opportunity for him.” Coach Hurt emphasized Klein’s powerful pitching capabilities, including a strong curveball, that will serve him well during this pivotal moment in his career.
Path to the Dodgers
Klein began the season with the Seattle Mariners after being traded from the Oakland Athletics. He mostly played in Triple-A Tacoma, where his performance included a record of 1-3 with a 5.19 ERA, alongside 44 strikeouts. On June 2, he made the transition to the Dodgers, ultimately leading to this World Series opportunity.
Originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals out of Eastern Illinois, Klein’s career has navigated several key trades, putting him in the position to shine on baseball’s biggest stage.
