35 Keone Kela RP

Kela (shoulder) isn't expected to be available for Tuesday's game against Texas after throwing a side session, John Perrotto of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Kela was forced to exit Saturday's contest after experiencing shoulder discomfort, and he hasn't appeared in a game since. Skipper Clint Hurdle did not reveal how Kela's throwing session went Tuesday, but the right-hander is unlikely to be available out of the bullpen for the series opener.

Kela was removed from Saturday's game against the Athletics with right shoulder discomfort, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Kela gave up a double to the lone batter he faced before leaving the game with the athletic trainer. The specifics of the injury remain unclear, but the 26-year-old at least seems unlikely to be available Sunday with a scheduled off day to follow Monday.

Kela hurled a clean seventh inning against San Francisco on Sunday, striking out one batter without allowing a hit or walk.

After struggling as Felipe Vazquez's primary setup man for the first three weeks, the right-hander pitched with his team trailing Sunday. Kyle Crick and Nick Burdi will likely cover for Kela in high leverage situations while the hard-throwing righty works out of his early season funk. Kela's scoreless inning lowered his earned-run average to 7.04 and his WHIP to 1.43, respectively.

Kela (1-0) was charged with the blown save Tuesday against the Tigers, allowing one run on two hits during the ninth inning. He ended up earning the win as the Pirates won in extra innings.

Kela entered for the ninth inning with a 3-2 advantage -- closer Felipe Vasquez was apparently unavailable after throwing 43 pitches Sunday -- and surrendered the lead before recording an out. The 26-year-old's 2019 struggles continue as he has a 8.10 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and four blow saves through his first eight appearances.

Kela surrendered one run -- a solo shot to Anthony Rendon -- in one inning Friday. He struck out one batter without issuing a walk.

Kela's throwing hard but his velocity is down a tick (from 97.4 mph to 96.4 mph) and he's failed to hold the lead three times in seven opportunities. By comparison, the righty blew seven saves in his first four seasons (196 appearances), combined. He's also yielded three home runs in his last five outings. The Pirates shut him down last Sept. 3 because of an increase in high stress innings -- he pitched 38.2 innings in 2017 and 52 innings in 2018 - but the additional time off hasn't helped him thus far in April.