Neftali Feliz may not make Rangers, Ogando to pen
By Matt Fisher
Entering Spring Training, it had been practically assumed that Neftali Feliz would just step back into his role as closer on the Texas Rangers.
It became clear quite quickly that that was not the case, and Feliz struggled with the pressure. His fastball ranged from the low-to-mid 90s, whereas manager Ron Washington was wanting to see Feliz step it up and consistently get it to the high-90s that had made him Rookie of the Year in 2010. Joakim Soria was also recovering from Tommy John surgery, but displayed the work ethic and results necessary for Washington to name Soria the closer for 2014.
Now, Evan Grant writes that Washington implied that Feliz may have to fight just to stay on the team.
"He’s still got to win a job in the bullpen. He’s going to do what he can to make the team. He’s just got to win a job. And he’s not going to win the closer’s job. We told him he wouldn’t be the closer, but he still has a chance to make the team. He’s competing for a job."
Grant also writes that the team will keep Alexi Ogando in the bullpen has a setup man capable of pitching multiple innings. Ogando had shuttled back and forth between the rotation and bullpen the last three years, earning an All-Star appearance in his first year in the rotation. After he hit a wall in 2011, Ogando was moved back to the bullpen in 2012. He tried a full season as a starter last season, but that resulted in three stints on the disabled list.
In 2013, Ogando went 7-4 in 18 games started with a 3.11 ERA. He has struggled in four starts this spring, amassing a 6.35 ERA in 11.1 innings. Ogando’s lack of durability and long-term command makes him far more effective in the bullpen.
The Rangers bullpen now consists of Soria, Jason Frasor, Neal Cotts, and Ogando. This leaves room for three more relievers, including a swingman. If Robbie Ross does not end up making the rotation, he will slot in as another reliever, and either Joe Saunders, Tommy Hanson, or Colby Lewis could end up being the club’s long man.
The rotation currently sits with Yu Darvish, Martin Perez, and Tanner Scheppers. The above mentioned four other options are all competing for a rotation spot. Grant says that Washington may skip a fifth starter when the schedule allows.