White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said Monday that Kelly (biceps) isn't expected to be ready to pitch by Opening Day, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.
Hahn provided the update on Kelly's condition after the White Sox officially confirmed the reliever's signing on a two-year, $17 million contract. Though Hahn acknowledged that Kelly himself would probably say that he's on track for the start of the season, the White Sox are inclined to take a more cautious approach with the right-hander while he continues to build back up from a nerve issue related to the biceps strain he sustained during the NLCS while pitching for the Dodgers last fall. Once healthy, Kelly is expected to slot into a middle-relief role for a White Sox bullpen that is overflowing with impressive arms.