Rangers officially add Kelley to bullpen mix

January 28th, 2019
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      ARLINGTON -- The Rangers have reinforced their bullpen by reaching an agreement with reliever on a one-year contract with an option for a second year, the club announced on Tuesday.
      Kelley will receive a $2.5 million base and another $500,000 possible in incentives, according to Major League sources. He also has a $2.5 million club option for 2020 with a $250,000 buyout.
      To make room on the roster for Kelley, the Rangers have designated outfielder for assignment.
      Kelley, 34, split last season with the Nationals and the Athletics. He pitched in a combined 54 games -- going 2-0 with a 2.94 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP. He struck out 9.2 batters per nine innings. He has been used primarily as a setup reliever in his career and he has logged 443 Major League games, all in relief, with 15 career saves. A 10-year veteran, Kelley has a career 3.67 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP while averaging 7.7 hits, 2.8 walks and 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

      Kelley gives the Rangers four veteran right-handed setup relievers to support closer . The club returns from last season, and it also signed free agents and earlier in the offseason. The primary left-handed relievers are C.D. Pelham and , who were both rookies last season.

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      T.R. Sullivan has covered the Rangers since 1989, and for MLB.com since 2006. Follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger and listen to his podcast.