ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers reliever Shawn Kelley earned his third save of the season in Texas' 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night, hours after learning that two lumps removed from his throat last week were benign.
Kelley, 35, was placed on the injured list on May 9, and the lumps were removed Thursday. Kelley, who doesn't use tobacco, had reported discomfort when talking and when rolling over while in bed.
"I really did feel like everything was going to be OK and that a lot of it was precaution," he said Tuesday after being activated from the 10-day injured list. "And [for the news] to come on a day when I was going to be reactivated, anyways, is pretty exciting."
Kelley was told he would pitch either the eighth or ninth inning. Rangers manager Chris Woodward gave the eighth and a one-run lead to Jose Leclerc, who retired the side in order.
Kelley allowed a two-out, ninth-inning homer to Omar Narvaez in earning the save. He is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in 15 appearances in his first season with the Rangers.
"I'd be lying to you if I didn't say there weren't thoughts over the last few weeks of, 'Will I play again?'" Kelley said. "It was really fun to be out there and just be in a situation to help the guys.''
"It was awesome to have Kelley back out there,'' Woodward said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.