Texas Rangers

The Rangers bullpen was missing two key relievers to start the season. In a surprising move, Keone

Kela was optioned to Class AAA, and team officials hinted it was because of his effect on the culture in the clubhouse. Jake Diek

man, who tied for fourth in the AL last year with 26 holds, had surgery for ulcerative colitis and likely is out until after the All-Star break.

With Tanner Scheppers (strained abdomen) also ailing, watch for middle-inning relievers

Matt Bush and Tony Barnette to have extended appearances and for Jose Leclerc to get a chance.

Delino DeShields did all he could this spring to reach his goals: bat leadoff and be the team’s left fielder. DeShields hit .323 and led the majors with 14 stolen bases and wasn’t caught once. DeShields, who has shed 30 pounds, is looking to bounce back from last season, when he spent part of the year in the minors. Joey Gallo made the opening-day roster when third baseman Adrian Beltre (calf ) began the season on the disabled list. Gallo has had success in the minor leagues but has been inconsistent with the Rangers.

“We need his bat in the lineup more than we need him playing first base. … You don’t want to risk what he does in the batter’s box to get him to play first base a certain amount of games. We’re going to be conservative with that.” Angels manager Mike Scioscia, on Albert Pujols, 37, being used almost exclusively as a designated hitter