{{Short description|American baseball player (born 1995)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name = Zack Kelly |team = Boston Red Sox |number = 76 |position = [[Pitcher]] |bats = Right |throws = Right |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|3|3}} |birth_place = [[Roanoke, Virginia]], U.S. |debutleague = MLB |debutdate = August 29 |debutyear = 2022 |debutteam = Boston Red Sox |statleague = MLB |statyear = May 19, 2026 |stat1label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]] |stat1value = 8–8 |stat2label = [[Earned run average]] |stat2value = 4.04 |stat3label = [[Strikeout]]s |stat3value = 127 |teams = * [[Boston Red Sox]] ({{mlby|2022}}–present) }} '''Zachery Reed Kelly''' (born March 3, 1995) is an American professional [[baseball]] [[pitcher]] for the [[Boston Red Sox]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2022.
==Career== ===Amateur career=== Kelly graduated from [[Lord Botetourt High School]] in [[Daleville, Virginia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://roanoke.com/lifestyles/dylan-powers-will-cline-and-zack-kelly-of-lord-botetourt-receive-vhsca-all-state-honors/article_584670bb-3a07-5766-854a-ad7315a5c325.html|title=Dylan Powers, Will Cline, and Zack Kelly of Lord Botetourt receive VHSCA All-State honors in baseball|first=Suzanne|last=Miller|website=Roanoke Times |url-access=limited |date=June 13, 2012}}</ref> He enrolled at [[Concord University]], where he played [[college baseball]] in [[NCAA Division II]] for the [[Concord Mountain Lions]] as a [[starting pitcher]] in 2014. After his sophomore year, Kelly transferred to [[Newberry College]], to play for the [[Newberry Wolves]], their Division II baseball team. As a senior in 2017, Kelly had a 3.72 [[earned run average]] (ERA) and recorded 94 [[strikeout]]s in {{frac|82|1|3}} [[innings pitched]].<ref name=rises>{{cite web|url=https://roanoke.com/sports/high-school/zack-kelly-rises-from-lord-botetourt-to-the-boston-red-sox/article_0b4c8ad8-27a7-11ed-97f7-673d292c33f8.html|title=Zack Kelly rises from Lord Botetourt to the Boston Red Sox|work=The Roanoke Times|first=Mark |last=Berman |date=August 29, 2022|accessdate=August 29, 2022}}</ref><ref name=masslive/>
===Oakland Athletics=== Unselected in the [[2017 Major League Baseball draft|2017 MLB draft]], Kelly signed with the [[Oakland Athletics]] as an undrafted [[free agent]] for a $500 [[signing bonus]].<ref name=masslive/> He pitched in the rookie-level [[Arizona League]] during 2017.<ref name=brm/> The Athletics released Kelly in April 2018.<ref name=rises/> Kelly later said, "My first year I probably paid to play to be honest with you. I definitely lost money."<ref name=masslive/>
===Los Angeles Angels=== Kelly signed with the [[Los Angeles Angels]] organization and played for three teams in the Angels' system, reaching the [[Class A-Advanced]] level with the [[Inland Empire 66ers]] of the [[California League]]; in 18 total relief appearances during the season, he posted a 2.93 ERA and struck out 41 batters in 43 innings pitched.<ref name=brm>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=kelly-001zac |title=Zack Kelly Minor Leagues Statistics & History |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |accessdate=August 29, 2022}}</ref> Kelly began the 2019 season with the [[Mobile BayBears]] of the [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] [[Southern League (1964–present)|Southern League]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.al.com/sports/2019/04/david-newhan-comes-full-circle-as-manager-for-mobile-baybears-final-season.html?outputType=amp |title=David Newhan comes full circle as manager for Mobile BayBears' final season |first=Creg |last=Stephenson |website=AL.com |date=April 2, 2019 |accessdate=August 29, 2022}}</ref> and also played one game with Inland Empire, accruing an overall 3–7 record in 21 games (13 starts) with a 4.88 ERA.<ref name=brm/> The Angels released Kelly during the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on baseball#North America|COVID-19 shutdown]] in 2020.<ref name=masslive/> Shortly thereafter, Kelly underwent surgery on his elbow to have a ligament reattached.<ref name=globeD2/>
===Boston Red Sox=== On January 4, 2021, Kelly signed a minor league contract with the [[Boston Red Sox]] organization. He spent the year playing for the Double-A [[Portland Sea Dogs]] and the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] [[Worcester Red Sox]].<ref name=masslive>{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2022/03/meet-zack-kelly-boston-red-sox-pitcher-with-mid-90s-fastball-went-undrafted-was-released-twice-initially-signed-for-500.html |title=Meet Zack Kelly: Boston Red Sox pitcher with mid-90s fastball went undrafted, was released twice, initially signed for $500 |first= Christopher |last=Smith |website=masslive.com |date=March 2, 2022 |accessdate=August 29, 2022}}</ref> He had a 1.69 ERA in 21 relief appearances for Portland before he was promoted to Worcester, where he had a 2.89 ERA in 15 relief appearances. In 2022, the Red Sox invited Kelly to [[spring training]] as a non-roster player and he returned to Worcester for the beginning of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fincastleherald.com/kelly-having-strong-season-for-red-sox-in-worcester/ |title=Kelly having strong season for Red Sox in Worcester |website=Fincastleherald.com |date=June 28, 2022 |accessdate=August 29, 2022}}</ref> He accrued a 2.72 ERA for Worcester through August 29,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/hirokazu-sawamura-austin-davis-designated-for-assignment|title=Red Sox shake up 'pen, DFA Sawamura, Davis|website=MLB.com |first=Ian |last=Browne |date=August 29, 2022 |accessdate=August 29, 2022}}</ref> when he was added to Boston's major-league roster.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/08/red-sox-designate-hirokazu-sawamura-for-assignment.html |title=Red Sox Designate Hirokazu Sawamura, Austin Davis; Select Zack Kelly |first=Darragh |last=McDonald |website=mlbtraderumors.com |date=August 29, 2022 |accessdate=August 29, 2022}}</ref> Kelly made his MLB debut that evening, against the [[Minnesota Twins]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/08/29/sports/red-sox-cant-turn-runners-into-runs-defeat-twins-playoff-hopes-continue-dwindle/ |title=Red Sox can't turn runners into runs in defeat to the Twins as playoff hopes continue to dwindle |first=Peter |last=Abraham |website=[[The Boston Globe]] |url-access=limited |date=August 29, 2022 |accessdate=August 29, 2022}}</ref> He was on the paternity list for three days in early September.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/roster/transactions/2022/09 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |publisher=Boston Red Sox |date=September 2022 |accessdate=September 5, 2022}}</ref> In 13 relief appearances with Boston, Kelly pitched to a 1–0 record with 3.95 ERA while striking out 11 batters in {{frac|13|2|3}} innings.<ref name=br>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kellyza01.shtml |title=Zack Kelly Stats |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |accessdate=November 11, 2022}}</ref> Kelly was the 2022 recipient of the [[Lou Gorman Award]] issued by the Red Sox organization.<ref name=2022awards>{{cite news |url=http://news.soxprospects.com/2022/09/minor-notes-red-sox-announce-their.html |title=Minor Notes: Red Sox announce their Players of the Year & Portland's playoff run ends |first=Will |last=Woodward |website=soxprospects.com |date=September 27, 2022 |accessdate=October 7, 2022}}</ref>
Kelly began the 2023 season in Boston's bullpen.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-red-sox-set-2023-opening-day-roster |title=Red Sox set 2023 Opening Day roster |website=MLB.com |publisher=Boston Red Sox |date=March 30, 2023 |accessdate=April 14, 2023}}</ref> He was placed on the [[injured list]] on April 13 due to right elbow inflammation.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-red-sox-place-rhp-zack-kelly-on-15-day-il-club-recalls-rhp-kutter- |title=Red Sox place right-handed pitcher Zack Kelly on 15-day injured list |website=MLB.com |publisher=Boston Red Sox |date=April 13, 2023 |accessdate=April 14, 2023}}</ref> Three days later, he was transferred to the 60-day injured list.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2023/04/red-sox-claim-lefty-reliever-from-mariners-place-zack-kelly-on-60-day-il.html |title=Red Sox claim lefty reliever from Mariners, place Zack Kelly on 60-day IL |first=Christopher |last=Smith |website=masslive.com |date=April 16, 2023 |accessdate=April 16, 2023}}</ref> On May 3, it was announced that Kelly would miss roughly four months after undergoing a successful [[ulnar nerve]] transposition revision in his right elbow.<ref>{{cite web | title=Red Sox's Zack Kelly: Undergoes nerve procedure | website=CBS Sports | date=2023-05-03 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/red-soxs-zack-kelly-undergoes-nerve-procedure/ | access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> He was activated from the injured list on September 24,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Red Sox's Zack Kelly: Activated from IL|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/red-soxs-zack-kelly-activated-from-il/|access-date=September 24, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=September 24, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> and successfully pitched for the Red Sox after going 166 days between major-league appearances.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/30/sports/sunday-baseball-notes/ |title=Sunday Baseball Notes |first=Peter |last=Abraham |website=[[The Boston Globe]] |url-access=limited |date=September 30, 2023 |accessdate=October 1, 2023}}</ref>
Kelly was optioned to Triple–A Worcester to begin the 2024 season.<ref>{{cite web | last=Cotillo | first=Chris | title=Red Sox make roster move, appear one cut away from finalizing bullpen | website=masslive | date=2024-03-22 | url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2024/03/red-sox-make-roster-move-appear-one-cut-away-from-finalizing-bullpen.html?outputType=amp | access-date=2025-11-20}}</ref> On April 24, he was recalled from Worcester to replace injured pitcher [[Brayan Bello]] on the active roster.<ref>{{cite web | last=Bird | first=Hayden | title=Red Sox place Brayan Bello on 15-day injured list | website=Boston.com | date=2024-04-24 | url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2024/04/24/brayan-bello-injury-update-injured-list/ | access-date=2026-01-07}}</ref> Kelly was optioned to Triple-A again on May 26 to make room for pitcher [[Brad Keller (baseball)|Brad Keller]], who had just signed a one-year contract with Boston.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2024 |title=Right-hander Brad Keller agrees to 1-year contract with Red Sox |url=https://apnews.com/article/keller-red-sox-faf1995dd96757d933cb7a64148e879c |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> Kelly was once again promoted to the major-league roster on June 5.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 4, 2024 |title=Red Sox's Zack Kelly: Getting promoted |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/red-soxs-zack-kelly-getting-promoted/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> He made his first MLB start on June 9 against the [[Chicago White Sox]], pitching two scoreless innings as an opener.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 9, 2024 |title=Red Sox rally for extra-innings win over White Sox |url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/red-sox-white-sox-mlb-recap-june-9-2024/61050834 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=WCVB |language=en}}</ref>
Kelly was optioned to Triple-A Worcester to begin the 2026 season.<ref>{{cite web | last=Franco | first=Anthony | title=Red Sox To Carry Connelly Early On Opening Day Roster | website=MLB Trade Rumors | date=2026-03-23 | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/03/red-sox-option-payton-tolle-connelly-early-to-break-camp.html | access-date=2026-04-05}}</ref>
==Personal life== Kelly is married and resides in South Carolina in the offseason.<ref name=globeD2>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/08/29/sports/zack-kelly-expectant-father-onetime-d2-pitcher-got-big-surprise-when-red-sox-called-him-up-sunday/ |title=Zack Kelly, expectant father and onetime D2 pitcher, got a big surprise when the Red Sox called him up Sunday |first=Peter |last=Abraham |website=[[The Boston Globe]] |url-access=limited |date=August 29, 2022 |accessdate=August 29, 2022}}</ref> He and his wife, Brittany, had their first child in September 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2022/09/red-sox-roster-moves-zack-kelly-returns-from-paternity-leave-josh-winckowski-sent-down-to-woosox.html|title=Red Sox roster moves: Zack Kelly returns from paternity leave, Josh Winckowski sent down to WooSox|work=masslive.com|first=Chris |last=Cotillo|date=September 5, 2022|accessdate=September 11, 2022}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Baseballstats |mlb=677161 |espn=41569 |br=k/kellyza01 |fangraphs=20349 |brm=kelly-001zac |retro=K/Pkellz001}}
{{S-start}} {{s-ach|awards}} {{succession box |before = [[Kutter Crawford]] |title = [[Lou Gorman Award]] |years = 2022 |after = [[Brandon Walter]]}} {{S-end}}
{{Boston Red Sox roster navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kelly, Zack}} [[Category:1995 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Arizona League Athletics players]] [[Category:Baseball players from Roanoke, Virginia]] [[Category:Boston Red Sox players]] [[Category:Burlington Bees players]] [[Category:Concord Mountain Lions baseball players]] [[Category:Greenville Drive players]] [[Category:Inland Empire 66ers players]] [[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]] [[Category:Mobile BayBears players]] [[Category:Newberry Wolves baseball players]] [[Category:Orem Owlz players]] [[Category:Portland Sea Dogs players]] [[Category:Salem Red Sox players]] [[Category:Worcester Red Sox players]]