Joe Kelly becomes free agent after Dodgers decline option

The Los Angeles Dodgers have declined reliever Joe Kelly's option for the 2022 campaign, the team announced Saturday.

Kelly was in line to make $12 million next season. The right-hander will now test free agency, but there's mutual interest in a return to Los Angeles, reports Juan Toribio of MLB.com.

The 33-year-old can resume throwing in six weeks after suffering a biceps strain in the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, according to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times.

Kelly posted a 2.85 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over 48 appearances for the Dodgers in 2021.