Rangers closer Ian Kennedy heads to IL with hamstring strain

In what's become an unsurprising turn of events this spring, the Texas Rangers delivered more bad news to fans. 

Ahead of their Wednesday afternoon game versus the San Francisco Giants, the Rangers placed right-handed closer Ian Kennedy on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Sunday, due to what the MLB website refers to as a mild left hamstring strain. In a corresponding roster move, Texas selected the contract of right-hander Spencer Patton from Triple-A Round Rock. Patton was available to pitch immediately for Wednesday's outing. 

Per ESPN stats, Kennedy heads to the IL third in the American League with 12 saves. He has no wins or losses and holds a 2.53 ERA across 21 appearances and 21.1 innings pitched. 

Kennedy cannot return to the active roster before June 16.

This development comes one day after the Rangers designated outfielder and designated hitter Khris Davis for assignment after Davis hit .157 with two home runs and five RBI in 22 contests. According to Jessica Kleinschmidt of NBC Sports Bay Area, Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin seemed to be interested in bringing Davis back to the club when speaking with reporters on Tuesday. 

Oakland traded Davis to Texas in February. 

Following Tuesday's loss, the Rangers fell to 23-39 on the season.