By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

Kela activated, may become closer

Chief Sealth graduate Keone Kela was activated off the disabled list by the struggling Texas Rangers on Thursday and may be moved to the closer role out of the bullpen.

"I can see Kela there," said manager Jeff Banister in an article by the Rangers' public relations department. "He has all the elements -- mentality, pitches, attitude -- to do that. Right now it's all about getting back on the mound and being conservative on how we use him."

Kela, who had been out since June 27 because of a sore shoulder, has a 4-1 record for the Rangers with a 2.64 earned run average and one save.

He has 42 strikeouts in 30.2 innings pitched with only 13 walks.

Barnette also back from DL

Thomas Jefferson graduate Tony Barnette has been back for awhile since coming off the disabled list earlier this month after 10 days out with a sprained finger.

He has a 1-1 record with a 6.35 ERA over 28.1 innings of work in the same Rangers bullpen. He has 32 strikeouts and nine walks.

Brett returns to action for Bulls

Highline graduate Ryan Brett is also back in action from the disabled list as a second baseman for the Class AAA Durham Bulls of the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

Brett is hitting .250 (10-for-40) in 12 games with five doubles, three RBI and two runs scored.

Conger now batting .253

Federal Way native Hank Conger is now batting .253 (43-for-170) as a catcher for the Class AAA Reno Aces of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.

Conger has eight doubles, one triple and six home runs to go with 19 runs, 40 RBI and 19 walks.

Conger and the Aces will be at Tacoma Aug. 11-14.

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