Rangers and Feliz avoid arbitration with one-year deal

Jan 16, 2015 - 12:01 AM Arlington, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - The Texas Rangers have avoided arbitration with right-handed pitcher Neftali Feliz after agreeing to a one-year contract.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the deal is worth $4.125 million.

After starting the 2014 season in Triple-A, the 26-year-old Feliz was promoted back to the big leagues and eventually reclaimed his role as the team's closer. In 30 big-league appearances, he recorded 13 saves and struck out 21 batters in 31 2/3 innings with a 1.99 ERA.

Feliz missed most of the 2013 season due to Tommy John surgery, which he needed in 2012 after a brief transition from the bullpen to the starting rotation.

In 198 career games, all but seven out of the bullpen, Feliz has pitched to a 2.53 ERA with 87 saves and 226 strikeouts in 241 2/3 innings, all with the Rangers.

Feliz is a one-time All-Star and American League Rookie of the Year recipient, both in 2010.