Sep 25, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Keone Kela (35) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Even with spring training starting this week, the San Diego Padres are not done making additions, agreeing to a deal with free agent right-hander Keone Kela, according to multiple reports.
Terms were not reported with the deal pending a physical.
Kela, 27, appeared in just three games with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season because of forearm inflammation. He also missed preparations for the delayed season reportedly because of a positive COVID-19 test.
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In six seasons and 231 relief appearances with the Texas Rangers and Pirates, Kela is 21-11 with 28 saves and a 3.24 ERA. He had 24 of those saves in 2018 with the Rangers.
The Padres also added right-hander Mark Melancon to their bullpen last week as they look to replace former closer Kirby Yates, who had shoulder surgery in 2020 and signed a free-agent deal with the Toronto Blue Jays in January.
Kela joins a list of talent offseason additions for the Padres, which include pitchers Yu Darvish, Blake Snell and Joe Musgrove.
–Field Level Media