SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Reliever Keone Kela's right shoulder is barking again. The ripple effects will be felt throughout the Rangers' bullpen.

The Rangers on Saturday acknowledged Kela is on their "watch list" because of recurring soreness in the shoulder. This could signify a third consecutive season of health problems for him.

Kela went on the disabled list twice last season, missing 43 games, because of the condition and had stem cell therapy in the offseason to help the shoulder.

Kela also missed 76 games in 2016 while on the disabled list because of a shoulder impingement. He has pitched fewer than 40 innings in each of the last two seasons.

Kela is scheduled for a throwing session Sunday. Kela has not appeared in a game since Monday, when he walked two of the four batters faced. Three scouts with major league clubs at that game all offered the same observation: something was wrong.

"He's been through some issues last year with the shoulder," manager Jeff Banister said. "We want to continue to progress him in a manner that is going to be good for him. Anytime these guys feel some soreness, especially a pitcher who has had shoulder stuff, we give them a little rest."

Banister said he is "not yet" concerned about Kela's status.

Kela was unavailable for comment. He came to spring training optimistic about the shoulder, saying the stem cell therapy had helped it. In three exhibition appearance, Kela has given up three walks and five base-runners in 21/3 innings.

Kela has used the time since his last game appearance for rest and treatment on the shoulder. The Rangers do not know when he will next pitch in a game.

If this delay means Kela must start the season on the disabled list, the Rangers will do that.

"We want to do our best to keep him available and consistent for us," Banister said. "And built up and ready to go. If that means you back off a little bit to get him going, that's a part of it, too."

The Rangers have been considering Kela for a late-inning role, with a chance at closing. A year ago, he led the clubs in "holds," preserved save chances, with 11 and had 13 holds and saves in 14 chances overall.

The physical problems make it difficult for the Rangers to depend upon Kela for a vital role such as closer. It could also make them rethink having right-hander Matt Bush in the rotation.

Bush worked out of the bullpen in each of his first two major league seasons before switching to a rotation candidate this spring. He had 20 holds and saves in 25 chances last season.

In Friday's game at Cincinnati, the Rangers gave indications that they are considering keeping Bush in the bullpen. He threw from the stretch and came out after two innings and 43 pitches.

It marked the second consecutive appearance in which Bush was limited to 45 pitches. He seemed miffed by not being allowed to pitch another inning.

That pitch limit "two times in a row doesn't seem right," Bush said.

Bush said he still prefers having a chance at the rotation because "that's where my mind has been this entire offseason." He stopped short of digging in his heels on the issue.

"If I end up moving back, it's something I'd rather know sooner than later because I feel it's like a mental block," Bush said.

Banister said the club is not near the point of making bullpen decisions. The Rangers are among the few teams that do have not yet identified a closer. There's a good chance it won't be Kela for the Rangers.

Closer candidates

A look at the late-inning performances last season by current contenders for spots in the Rangers bullpen: