Injured Rangers relievers Bush, Kela making progress

Keone Kela is ahead of fellow right-handed reliever Matt Bush on the road back to the Texas Rangers’ active roster, but the soonest either would return is likely next weekend.

General manager Jon Daniels said that the Rangers are planning to see if Bush can throw off a mound this weekend. He hasn’t pitched since Aug. 20, when he and Joey Gallo collided in the infield and he suffered a sprained left knee.

Bush said that he has thrown out to 120 feet but with more discomfort in his knee than when at close range.

“It just takes time,” Bush said. “I’ve got to give the ligament time to heal. I’m trying to strengthen all the muscles around my knee and keep my arm moving so that when my MCL heals, I’ll be ready to go.”

Kela has been out since Aug. 3 with what Daniels said is biceps tendinitis in the front of his shoulder. Kela threw 25 pitches Friday.

When he has been healthy — he also missed time in July with the same injury — he has arguably been the Rangers’ best reliever.

Daniels said that the next wave of September call-ups will include relievers to add depth until Bush and Kela return.

This story was originally published September 1, 2017 at 8:37 PM with the headline "Injured Rangers relievers Bush, Kela making progress."