Times wires
Monday, March 14, 2011
SURPRISE, Ariz. — Neftali Feliz wants to start for the Rangers after all, and he took a step in that direction Monday with four strong innings in a 5-4 win over the Dodgers.
A week ago, Feliz said he was more comfortable closing — a role in which he earned AL rookie of the year honors last season — than starting.
After scattering three runs and a hit with five strikeouts, though, Feliz said though he's comfortable as a closer, he never has stopped working to become part of the starting rotation.
"It was only the pitches, not myself," Feliz said. "I want to start."
Feliz's comments about closing came a couple of days after pitching two two-hit innings against the Indians, a game in which he said he was comfortable with only two pitches, his fastball and curve.
"You (the media) asked me if I felt more comfortable about being a closer," Feliz said, "and I do feel comfortable. I had trouble with my changeup, so I was working with my pitching coach (Mike Maddux) on the cutter so I could work to be a starter."
After holding Oakland to one hit in three innings of relief in his last appearance, he said he started to become more comfortable with his cut fastball.
"When I was making it three pitches, I talked to my pitching coach and said I would try to win a spot in the rotation," Feliz said. "That's what I like more, to be a starter."
Manager Ron Washington said Feliz's eventual role remains undecided, depending on how things develop through the rest of spring.
"He'll make up his mind sooner or later," Washington said. "It's open."
A'S: Closer Andrew Bailey left a spring game against the Indians with elbow discomfort. The right-hander was shut down at the end of last season with an elbow injury.
BRAVES: Rightfielder Jason Heyward was held out because of back stiffness.
DODGERS: Third baseman Casey Blake is scheduled to have a "precautionary" MRI exam on his injured back. He's still considered day to day.
INDIANS: Third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, one of the team's top prospects who was batting .478 this spring, was one of seven players sent to the minor-league camp.
MARINERS: Left-hander Nate Robertson will have arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his pitching elbow and is expected to resume throwing in four weeks. … Centerfielder Franklin Gutierrez, who left camp to determine the cause of stomach problems that have plagued him for a year, was diagnosed with a "slow digestive tract." "There's nothing wrong with him … he's not sick," team trainer Mitch Storey said.
ORIOLES: Right-hander Justin Duchscherer visited a chiropractor because of discomfort in his surgically repaired left hip and was scheduled for an MRA, which is similar to an MRI except it also includes an arthrogram, where dye will be injected in the hip.
REDS: Catcher Ryan Hanigan, 30, agreed to a $4 million, three-year contract.
TIGERS: Second baseman Carlos Guillen had a setback in his recovery from knee surgery, making it unlikely he will be ready for opening day.
TWINS: Catcher Joe Mauer could make his spring debut Wednesday as DH. Mauer said he's close to full strength after offseason surgery on his left knee. … Right-handed pitcher Kyle Gibson, a first-round pick in 2009, was one of seven players reassigned to minor-league camp.