Keone Kela Fantasy Stats

Free-agent relief pitcher Keone Kela agreed to a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, according to a source familiar with the situation. Kela had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in May of last year, so he won't be ready to pitch until around midseason for the D-backs. The 28-year-old right-hander should have a legitimate shot to join Arizona's bullpen in the second half of the season, although he still may not be worth a look in the vast majority of fantasy leagues. Kela has been fighting through injuries in recent seasons and has made just 15 appearances in the last two years with a 4.97 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 12 2/3 innings.

San Diego Padres reliever Keone Kela (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday. The 28-year-old last pitched on May 7 and exited the outing with forearm tightness. Signed to a one-year deal this offseason, Kela appeared in 12 games, posting a 5.06 ERA. After making just three appearances in 2020 due to elbow issues, the Friars made a calculated gamble with Kela and it backfired. Likely out until the end of 2022, it's uncertain if the club will exercise his option for next year. Relievers Austin Adams and Emilio Pagan will fill the void as the bridge to closer Mark Melancon and could be targeted in holds leagues.

San Diego Padres reliever Keone Kela (forearm) was forced from Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants with right forearm tightness. Making his third appearance since returning from a shoulder injury, Kela promptly served a game-clinching homer to Giants outfielder Austin Slater before being pulled by the trainer two pitches later. His velocity was notably down from his normal mid-90s heat. Kela will be evaluated over the weekend but an IL trip seems certain. Despite dealing with forearm issues last year, the Friars signed the 28-year-old this offseason and he holds a 5.06 ERA through 10 innings. Relievers Pierce Johnson and Austin Adams will be leaned on in higher leverage scenarios and could be targets in deep holds leagues.

The San Diego Padres have signed free-agent relief pitcher Keone Kela. The deal will be finalized once Kela passes a physical. Kela, who posted 24 saves for the Texas Rangers during the 2018 season, was penciled in to be the closer in Pittsburgh prior to the 2020 campaign. Those plans were derailed when Kela tested positive for COVID-19 and then was subsequently placed on the injured list due to forearm tightness. As a result, Kela appeared in only three games (two innings pitched) for the Pirates in 2020. Now with San Diego, Kela joins a very deep bullpen that includes Drew Pomeranz, Emilio Pagan, and Mark Melancon. As a result, notwithstanding his past closing experience, it is likely Kela will assume a middle-relief role with the Padres in 2021. Although Kela could potentially form part of a closer-by-committee with Melancon, Pomeranz, and Pagan, he would likely be last in the pecking order for save opportunities among those pitchers. Accordingly, Kela can be ignored in most mixed-league formats. Those managers in NL-only leagues and leagues that reward holds may wish to take a flier on Kela in the last few rounds of drafts to see how his role in San Diego shakes out early in the 2021 season.

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Keone Kela (forearm) is unlikely to return this season, according to general manager Ben Cherington. Kela resumed throwing last week, but he has not appeared in a game since August 21 and is running out of time. The 27-year-old was expected to serve as the Pirates' closer before the injury woes. In the meantime, Richard Rodriguez will continue to handle the ninth-inning duties for the remainder of the season.

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Keone Kela (forearm) threw a bullpen session on Wednesday afternoon. It is the first time he has pitched since August 21. The 27-year-old is always an option to close games for the Pirates, but his time to return is running out. Richard Rodriguez will continue to handle the ninth-inning duties in the meantime.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer Keone Kela (forearm) has been placed on the 10-day injured list. Kela has had a rough go this season and got a slow start to the season due to COVID-19 and recently returned to pitch two innings before suffering right forearm tightness. Richard Rodriguez remains the best bet for save opportunities in Pittsburgh. Kela remains without a timeline.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer Keone Kela (forearm) has not thrown a baseball since exiting last Fridays outing. Kela has only thrown two innings this season due to forearm tightness. There currently is no timetable for Kelas return and Richard Rodriguez is likely to see the most save chances for now. Rodriguez is worth a look for owners who need saves.

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitcher Keone Kela has been officially deemed day-to-day moving forward as he battles soreness in his right forearm. The ailment will be re-assessed early next week by the Pittsburgh medical staff, likely making him unavailable for the next 3-5 days at minimum. When healthy, Kela is the best bet to receive save opportunities for the Pirates, but the club has notched just one save all year through its first 23 games. Kela may be a name to keep an eye on for September should he be cleared to return to the mound, but he can remain on the wire for the time being while his status is up in the air.

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Keone Kela (COVID-19) will be activated off of the injured list before Thursday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. The 27-year-old missed the first three weeks of the 2020 season due to a positive COVID-19 test. Kela is expected to take over the closer's role upon his return, which instantly boosts his fantasy value. He posted a 2.12 ERA and 33/11 K/BB rate across 29 2/3 innings with the Pirates in 2019.