While Chris Archer prepared to make his debut at PNC Park Friday, the Pirates' newest reliever was discussing his role with Clint Hurdle.
"I’m not really here looking for a role," Keone Kela repeated to reporters, his No. 35 jersey hanging in the locker stall behind him. "I just want to win." Kela converted each of his first 24 save opportunities with the Rangers prior to being traded early Tuesday morning, yet he won't supplant Felipe Vazquez as the Pirates' full-time closer.
Instead, Kela will be used in a variety of situations, possibly even in middle relief. After all, Kyle Crick and Edgar Santana have been outstanding in the eighth and seventh inning, respectively, and the Pirates have lost two long relievers in the past week. Following Tyler Glasnow's departure, Steven Brault was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis Friday and Dovydas Neverauskas was recalled.
Kela doesn't care if Hurdle's plan for the bullpen changes, either. The hard-throwing 25-year-old right-hander has one explicit goal: returning to the postseason.
To continue reading, log into your account:
