In a thrilling Game 3 of the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a dramatic 6-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, with right-hander Will Klein playing a crucial role. Klein, who had been thrust into the spotlight due to unexpected roster changes, stepped up when it mattered most, throwing four scoreless innings in an 18-inning marathon that lasted more than six and a half hours.
Klein’s journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. Initially, he was not included on the Dodgers’ World Series roster. However, injuries to key players created an opening for him. Left-hander Tanner Scott was removed from the National League Division Series roster to undergo surgery for a cyst, while Alex Vesia missed the World Series due to personal reasons. With the bullpen facing a potential crisis, Klein was called up to fill the final spot.
Rising to the Challenge
Entering the game in the top of the 15th inning, Klein became the tenth pitcher used by the Dodgers during the contest. His performance was impressive; he allowed just one hit and two walks while maintaining a scoreless frame against the Blue Jays’ lineup. The game, which began at 17:11 PST, finally concluded with Klein’s contributions proving vital to the team’s success.
Following the game, Klein received recognition from Sandy Koufax, a Dodgers legend and Hall of Famer, who congratulated him with the simple but meaningful words, “Nice going.” This acknowledgment from such an iconic player serves as a significant milestone for the young pitcher.
A Journey of Resilience
Before the start of the 2025 season, Klein had limited experience, having pitched only 7.1 innings for the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics. At just 25 years old, he was traded twice before finding his way back to the majors. In January, he was traded from the Athletics to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for international bonus pool space. By June, he made another move, this time from Seattle to the Dodgers in a deal that sent left-hander Joe Jacques to the Mariners.
The increasing number of injuries within the Dodgers’ bullpen opened the door for Klein, who made 14 appearances for the team, boasting a commendable 2.35 ERA over 15.1 innings pitched. His recent success illustrates not only his resilience but also the depth of talent within the Dodgers organization as they navigate the challenges of the postseason.
Klein’s performance in the World Series is a testament to his growth and potential, and his ability to thrive under pressure could pave the way for a promising future in Major League Baseball.
