Shawn

Kelley

He’ll get a $250,000 buyout. Kelley indicated earlier this year that he would retire if the Rangers did not pick up his option, but maybe he’ll have a change of heart. The 35-year-old served as the closer in Texas at times in 2019 before ultimately finishing with a disappointing 4.94 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 47 1/3 total innings of relief.

Kelley experienced the discomfort while working the top of the fifth inning. He was charged with one earned run on a hit and two walks. This is probably going to be a season-ending ailment for the veteran setup man, even if it’s minor. He holds a 4.47 ERA in 46 1/3 total frames this year.

“If they pick me up, I would love to come back and do another year,” Kelley told MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan. “If not, I will drift off to the sunset. I’ll either play here next year or retire.” The veteran reliever has posted a 4.07 ERA and 39/7 K/BB ratio in 42 innings this season while tallying 11 saves and six holds.

Kelley will be back in the Rangers’ bullpen for Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Indians after missing a couple of weeks with discomfort in his right biceps. He had been serving as the primary closer in Texas before the injury, but Jose Leclerc has since reclaimed that job. Kelley is probably droppable in most fantasy formats.

The important context here is that Shawn Kelley (biceps) is just about ready to return from the injured list. He will slide into a setup gig when that happens, with Leclerc handling the bulk of the save opportunities down the stretch in Arlington, Texas. Kelley is probably droppable in standard mixed fantasy leagues. Leclerc is worth adding in any league where he was dumped.

If that workout goes smoothly, he’ll probably make a rehab appearance for Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday. Kelley, who’s been out since July 22 with right biceps soreness, could be back in the Rangers’ bullpen by the end of this week. He figures to get a share of the saves mix down the stretch, assuming good health.

The good news is that an MRI showed no acute injury, so perhaps it won’t be a long-term absence for the Rangers closer. Jose Leclerc is probably the best bet for saves while Kelley is out, although Chris Martin could also be in the mix.

Kelley felt discomfort in his right biceps tendon while warming up in the eighth inning Sunday. He did not throw an official pitch and heaved his glove in frustration after returning to the dugout. “We’re going to find out more about that,” Rangers manager Chris Woodward said Sunday evening. “He’s going to get an MRI hopefully soon. I have my fingers crossed that it’s not as bad as we think.” Kelley is the current saves leader in Texas with 11. Jose Leclerc may step back into the closer role if Kelley is out for an extended period.

No word yet on exactly what occurred, but it’s a troublesome development for the Rangers’ closer. Expect him to head for further evaluation. The Rangers should have an update on his status after the game concludes.

Kelley pitched a scoreless bottom of the 10th inning and was the beneficiary of a three-run top of the 11th. Usually the Rangers’ closer, Kelley saved his own win with another scoreless effort in the bottom of the frame. As we enter the break, the 35-year-old owns a 3.09 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 32/5 K/BB ratio to go with 11 saves and four wins. That’s a pretty good first half for the journeyman reliever.