Rangers reliever Kela out 3 months after elbow surgery

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Keone Kela. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)

HICAGO — Texas Rangers reliever Keone Kela has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow to remove a bone spur and will be sidelined about three months.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, on Friday, a day after Kela was placed on the disabled list. The 23-year-old right-hander experienced pain Tuesday when he pitched against Houston, his seventh outing of the season.

Kela’s absence puts more pressure on a struggling bullpen. Rangers relievers entered Friday’s game against the Chicago White Sox with an AL-worst 5.59 ERA.

Texas called up right-hander Phil Klein from Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday to replace Kela.

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