The San Diego Padres have continued to be busy in their quest to overtake the Dodgers. They had added to their bullpen on Friday by signing Mark Melancon, adding a proven weapon in the ninth inning to their relief corps. But one had a sense that they would not be content with just making that one addition.
On Sunday, the Padres brought in another arm. They have signed Keone Kela, a move that had originally been announced by Kela on his Instagram.
Keone Kela in agreement on Padres deal, pending physical/intake
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 15, 2021
San Diego Padres keep pace with Keone Kela
There is a degree of risk in this signing for San Diego. Kela made just three appearances in 2020, missing time due to a positive COVID test and a later trek to the Injured List due to forearm tightness.
When healthy, he provides the Padres with another potential option for the ninth inning. Kela has posted a 3.24 ERA and a 1.122 WHiP in his 216.2 innings, striking out 266 batters with 83 walks. He did reasonably well in his one stint as a closer, notching 24 saves in 25 chances for Texas in 2018.
But there is risk with Kela that goes beyond the diamond. He has been suspended twice in 2019, receiving a ten game ban for instigating a brawl when he threw at Derek Dietrich, and a two game suspension from the Pirates after an altercation with one of their coaches.
Perhaps a change of scenery will make a difference. It is clear that Kela and the Pirates were not a good mix, although he was acquired with the idea that the team would contend in 2019. Heading to a team that is not just expected to contend for a postseason berth, but is one of the favorites to reach the World Series, could make a difference.
The San Diego Padres are continuing to add to their bullpen. Keone Kela is the latest piece as they are putting together a late inning buzzsaw.