Feliz was called up from AAA Oklahoma City and will work out of the bullpen for the foreseeable future. Overall, the young flame thrower was 4-6 with a 3.49 ERA in 77 1/3 innings at Oklahoma City but, after beginning the season as a starter, was moved to the bullpen where he was more effective, going 1-1 with 20 strikeouts, three walks and a 2.16 ERA in 12 relief appearances.
Red Hawks pitching coach Terry Clark said Neftali was very excited when he heard the news of his call-up.
"He was emotional,” Clark said. "First time, going to the big leagues, and he cried a little bit. He’s really happy, and I’m really happy for him.”
With the starting pitching incurring a rash of injuries the past month or so, having a fresh power arm in the bullpen could be just what the Dr. ordered.
"We think he has the ability to help us or we wouldn’t have brought him up," general manager Jon Daniels said. "We’re not expecting him to come in and save the day. He’s here to make a contribution. He’s improved in the areas we’ve asked him to work on. He deserves the opportunity."
It is doubtful Feliz will see any time this season as a starter as the Rangers believe he will be most effective in a relief role at this stage of his career. Feliz has an electric fastball but has struggled at times with his control when employing his secondary pitches.
To make room for Feliz on the 40-man roster, starter Matt Harrison was moved from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list. Harrison is out the rest of the season after being diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome.
Feliz's call-up is just the latest in what has been a major pitching youth movement this season for the Rangers. Derek Holland has been both a starter and a reliever since his call-up in May and Tommy Hunter has been very impressive thus far in his role as a starter.
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