OAKLAND -- Right-hander Matt Bush will get first chance at closing now that Sam Dyson has gone on the disabled list with a contusion on his right hand.
The Rangers placed Dyson on the disabled list Monday and recalled pitcher Keone Kela from Triple-A Round Rock. Bush moves into the closer's role although Jeremy Jeffress, Tony Barnette and Kela could get the opportunity as well.
"We've got some experienced guys in the bullpen," manager Jeff Banister said. "Early on, we're going to ask guys in the bullpen to get outs when we ask them to get outs. Don't get caught up in the inning and the situation. We're going to give Matt the opportunity early to get the 27th out, but we don't want to run somebody out there three days in a row."
Dyson suffered the contusion trying to barehand a bouncer back up the middle in the ninth inning Sunday. Jarrod Dyson ended up with an infield single leading off the inning and the Mariners rallied for two runs in an 8-7 victory. It was Dyson's third blown save.
"We have been challenged getting the 27th out," Banister said. "We have to find somebody who has the best opportunity of doing it."
Going on the disabled list will allow Dyson to work on some things on the side. He could even get time at Round Rock on medical rehabilitation assignment.
"I was pitching here; I'll pitch wherever they send me," Dyson said. "Same approach, same plan of attack. I'm just assuming I'll have to pitch somewhere in a few days."
The Rangers want to make sure the hand is fine before they make a final decision.
"It's about Sam getting consistent work and pounding the strike zone with that good, boring sinker," Banister said.
Kela was supposed to be on the Opening Day roster but was optioned to Triple-A at the end of Spring Training. The move was not performance-based, but about his less-than-stellar conduct while pitching in a Minor League game at the end of camp.
"All reports have been good, on and off the field," general manager Jon Daniels said. "When we first made the decision, we talked about revisiting it in two weeks. It has been three weeks. We talked about calling him up in Seattle [last weekend] but we have a lot of moving parts and it didn't line up right."
Kela made four appearances for Round Rock, allowing one run on five hits, one walk and eight strikeouts.
"We made a decision and he went down and was very professional," Kela said. "Now it's the appropriate time to bring him back."