Rangers Activate Kelley, Brett Martin Demoted

Shawn Kelley
Photo credit Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
DALLAS (105.3 The Fan/AP) - The Rangers have activated their best-performing reliever from the 10-day IL in time for tonight's game against Seattle. 

Texas activated right-hander Shawn Kelley 12 days after he was placed on the injured list May 9 with what the club called an infection. 

Kelley spoke with reporters Saturday and said he was ready to start pitching again while waiting for the results of a biopsy on two lumps that were surgically removed from his throat.

Kelley said doctors took out a couple of “decent-sized” lumps on Thursday after an initial biopsy before the surgery was inconclusive. However, TR Sullivan reported today that the lumps were benign. 

Kelley said he threw a bullpen Wednesday night before going in for the surgery, and planned to throw another one Saturday. He is 3-0 with two saves and a 1.29 ERA in 14 appearances in his first season with the Rangers, and last pitched May 4.

Texas demoted reliever Brett Martin to Triple-A Nashville. The left-hander has a 7.20 ERA in 14 appearances.