OAKLAND -- Reliever Keone Kela is back with the Rangers.
Kela returned Monday before the Rangers' 7-0 win over the A's following his three-week exile at Triple-A Round Rock. Kela was sent there at the end of Spring Training because the Rangers were troubled by his negative attitude and presence within the clubhouse structure.
The Rangers felt the penance had been served and it was time for Kela to come back to the big leagues.
"It was awesome," Kela said. "It's definitely something I want to do and I was happy to come out here and support the team and be part of the win tonight."
Kela, who pitched a scoreless ninth Monday, said he understands why he was sent down and what he needs to do.
"The biggest thing I took away was understanding my role and what I need to do to be the best thing I can be, for not only myself but the guys around me, and how to help the team the best way I can," Kela said. "I know there are a lot of things I need to work on as an individual and I know that these guys don't want to do anything other than to help me become a better man on and off the field. I'm getting more accountability for my actions and just ready to continue to push forward."
Kela said he spoke to his teammates before the game.
"I walked in and everybody was cheerful to see me and came up and gave me hugs and said they were happy to see me back and I told them the same thing," Kela said. "I feel like everyone knows who I am and I know everybody, so it was kind of like a family reunion and those are usually really good. I'm just appreciative I get to be back here and do what I always sought out to do, to pitch at the big league level and be with a great group of guys."