The Nationals placed right-hander Shawn Kelley on the 10-day disabled list Sunday with a right trapezius strain (retroactive to June 17) and recalled right-hander A.J. Cole from Triple-A Syracuse.
Nats manager Dusty Baker expressed concern about Kelley's condition on Saturday after he pitched the ninth inning of Washington's 7-2 victory over New York on Friday, in which he allowed a solo home run to Jay Bruce. That's when Kelley first felt discomfort.
"I probably should have said something, but [I] really just wanted to get through that inning on a positive note," Kelley said. "It got really tight [Saturday] morning. Not 100 percent what it is, but I can't throw right now."
Kelley missed nine games earlier this season with a lower back strain. In 22 appearances this year, Kelley is 3-2 with four saves and one hold.
"It's unfortunate, but things happen and you have to deal with them, I guess," Kelley said. "It's not ideal."
This marks Cole's second stint with the Nationals this year. He threw six innings of one-run ball in a win against the Phillies on May 6. In Triple-A this season, Cole is 3-2 with a 5.68 ERA in 10 starts.