Texas Ranger's relief pitcher Neftali Feliz needs time to become a starter – MLB Update
The Texas Rangers’ officials gave some inspiration to their relief pitcher Neftali Feliz to grow as a starter. They are not going to make an assessment on Feliz and their starting replacement based on the game of March 3, 2011 where he had a 11-9 win over
the Cleveland Indians at Surprise.
Feliz will require all three throws to be a leading starter and the Rangers will present him that time. They discern that Feliz will have five more trips during this spring where he played his game on April 1, 2011.
After keeping an eye on his previous performances, Feliz could have minimum 10 starts and 65-70 innings of effort, plus 12 bull-pen sessions on the surface with pitching coach Mike Maddux. He could not do it as a closer because he had to be set to throw
every night.
Neftali is looking to improve his abilities as he commented during a press conference, "It was not like I expected, but it went fairly well. I didn't have control of my breaking ball and was falling behind hitters. My changeup was not as consistent as I
would like, but I threw a few good ones."
Feliz thrashed about his slider and line-up, as well as his tempo. He permitted two singles, a walk and strikes a batter as he detained the Indians to 0-for-4 with runners in scoring point.
He tossed 36 pitches, 19 for hits. He pitched 10 in the second inning, as well as nine fastballs. Singles by Jason Donald and Jordan Brown provided the Indians two on with nobody out in the second inning, but Feliz dug up Cord Phelps on a flutter to right
and Lou Marson to strike into an inning-finishing double play.
The Rangers are demanding to see if Feliz is prepared to go into the alternation and acknowledged that he is still feeling his approach into the job. He was an All-Star closer in 2010, saving 40 games. He was familiar with the fact to go into the game for
one inning and throwing with shear power.
The team officials recognise the truth and they know he had a very good backup in the Minor Leagues. However, this is innovative for Feliz at the Major League stage as he was a starter in the Minor Leagues. He has also revealed a first-class slider at times.
Starting Pitcher Eric Hurley would be the one assured a spot in the alternation while Feliz and Derek Holland would still be fighting for a place. Tanner Scheppers would make his way back to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
As conflicting to Feliz, Hurley wanted just 21 throws to get through two innings and 13 pitching for hits.
Ranger’s manager Ron Washington said, "That was great for him to be back on the mound, great for him personally. He finally got back on the mound. He hit his spots, used the whole strike zone and moved his fastball around. He was able to hit his spots."
The Rangers' alternation contest is just getting started, but it seems to be a positive day for Feliz as regards to his performance.
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