Viral Joe Kelly-Astros Instagram post is fake

SJ Lynn

Viral Joe Kelly-Astros Instagram post is fake image

Joe Kelly had nothing to do with a popular Instagram post, despite it going viral Wednesday.

The photoshopped image shows the Dodgers relief pitcher holding three babies that have the heads of Astros stars Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman. 

MORE: Joe Kelly's harsh suspension sends warning to stop throwing at Astros players

Check out the intense caption:

“Hey guys, with the suspension I received from the @mlb for my actions on Tuesday, I’d like to apologize… TO ABSOLUTELY NOBODY! THE ASTROS ARE HIDING IN THEIR DUGOUTS BECAUSE I’M SUSPENDED. Just wait till I get out.”

The account that posted the photo is @joe.kelly17, which many believed to be Kelly's actual account. It is actually a fan-run account and does not represent Kelly.

Here is the original image, shared by Kelly's wife in June.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“Mom, I don’t want Corona to go away. I don’t want Dad to go back to baseball.”-Knox 😭 (mind you, after he broke my heart with this line, it ended with me having to explain that baseball is what Dad loves & is how we are able to buy him more Star Wars Legos...he replies, “Yeah, Dad needs to go play baseball now.” 🤣) . . The fact that I get to raise children with this guy makes life so special. Navigating this whole parent thing with you has been nothing short of a blast. Seeing the relationship and bond that you have with your best friend, Knox, makes me all the more excited to watch the relationships you build with Crue & Blake over the years. You put your all into your role as Dad. God definitely knew that you were meant to be a father & I thank him daily for Zaddy Joseph ❤️#DILFSofFathersDay

A post shared by Ashley Kelly (@ashleynicokelly) on

Kelly was handed an eight-game suspension by MLB for throwing a fastball behind Bregman's head and taunting Correa on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park in Houston, presumably in retaliation for the Astros' illegal sign-stealing during the 2017 season, which concluded with them beating the Dodgers in the World Series. Kelly was not a member of that Dodgers team, however.

The interaction ignited a benches-clearing staredown between the two teams.

SJ Lynn

SJ Lynn is a social media editor and in-studio host for Sporting News.