Texas Rangers closer, Neftali Feliz, looks good in throwing stint with pitching coach
Recently injured closer, Neftali Feliz, got to throw in his first session after being shut down by the Texas Rangers.
The formidable pitcher is on the sidelines following a right shoulder inflammation. The injury came about in a fixture against the Los Angeles Angels at the Rangers Ballpark. The player threw 30 times, 90 feet away. He was playing catch with pitching Coach
Mike Maddux.
"I feel better", Feliz said. "I feel strong. It doesn't bother me. I think I'm going to be ready to come back when I'm supposed to come off the disabled list".
Feliz made his way to the sidelines on the 21st of April. He will be eligible for duty on May 6. This time around, on his return, he will engage with the New York Yankees in Arlington.
"I think five to six days off would have been OK", Feliz said. "But they decided to place me on the 15-day disabled list. It's a little extreme, but I understand".
Darren Oliver is currently acting as a closer and he has two saves to show for his good knock with the ball. General manager, Jon Daniels, sees the official and primary closer still hanging about on the disabled list.
"If he's not activated on the 16th day, it will be shortly after", Daniels said. "If anything, he is doing better than expected. He's got his range of motion back".
Feliz has starred in eight games so far and he has been able to provide his team with five saves. In retrospect, he has thrown 8.1 innings. He has conceded five balls and has availed six strikeouts. He has given away a run in four hits.
The hurler had been trying for a starter’s role in spring training but his ambitions fell out of favour due to depleted bullpen protection. The Rangers were unable to entertain the 22-year-old’s desire and hence he has retained his position in the ninth
inning.
His former bullpen setup man, Alexi Ogando, however, is in the rotation due to a right groin injury to Tommy Hunter.
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