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Neftalí Feliz

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In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Feliz and the second or maternal family name is Antonio.

Neftalí Feliz
Feliz with the Detroit Tigers
Sultanes de Monterrey – No. 30
Pitcher
Born: (1988-05-02) May 2, 1988 (age 36)
Azua, Dominican Republic
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 3, 2009, for the Texas Rangers
MLB statistics
(through 2021 season)
Win–loss record21–20
Earned run average3.55
Strikeouts366
Saves107
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Neftalí Feliz Antonio (/nɛfˈtɑːli fɛˈliːs/; born May 2, 1988) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Feliz won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2010.

Professional career

Feliz pitching for the Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliates of the Rangers, in 2008.

Atlanta Braves

Minor leagues

Feliz was signed by the Atlanta Braves as a free agent out of the Dominican Republic on June 6, 2005. He made his professional debut with the GCL Braves in 2006, posting a 4.03 ERA in 11 appearances. He began the 2007 season with the rookie-level Danville Braves, and logged a 1.98 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 271⁄3 innings of work.[1]

Texas Rangers

On July 31, 2007, Feliz was traded from the Braves to the Texas Rangers along with Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Matt Harrison, Beau Jones, and Elvis Andrus in exchange for Mark Teixeira and Ron Mahay. He finished the year with the Low-A Spokane Indians, logging a 3.60 ERA in 8 games. In 2008, he split the season between the Single-A Clinton LumberKings and the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders, accumulating a 10–6 record and 2.69 ERA in 27 games with the two teams. He began the 2009 season with the Triple-A Oklahoma City RedHawks, pitching to a 4–6 record and 3.49 ERA in 25 games.[2]

Major leagues

2009

Feliz was called up to the major leagues for the first time on August 2, 2009.[3] He made his debut on August 3, striking out four in two scoreless innings.[4] Feliz finished the season with a 1–0 record and a 1.74 earned run average (ERA) in 20 games, with 39 strikeouts and two saves, in 31 innings pitched.

2010

Feliz was the Rangers' best prospect according to Baseball America, and one of the top five pitching prospects in baseball at the start of 2010.[5]

After two blown saves by Frank Francisco to start the 2010 baseball season, Feliz replaced him as the Rangers' closer.[6] On July 4, 2010, he was named to his first MLB All-Star Game. He was accompanied by teammates Vladimir Guerrero, Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, and the newly acquired Cliff Lee. However, Feliz did not pitch during the game.

On September 1, 2010, Feliz threw a fastball recorded at 103.4 mph, currently the 3rd fastest recorded pitch that has ever been thrown (behind Aroldis Chapman and Joel Zumaya).[7] On September 25, 2010, he earned his 38th save of the season, breaking the single-season record for saves by a rookie. He would go on to finish the season with 40. (The previous record was held by Kazuhiro Sasaki of the Seattle Mariners, with 37 in 2000.)

During Game 6 of the 2010 American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, Feliz got the final three outs in the 9th inning and sent the Rangers to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. On October 30, 2010, he went three up, three down to close a 4–2 Rangers win in Game 3 of the World Series, making him the second youngest player to record a save in the World Series.[8] The Rangers lost the World Series to the San Francisco Giants in 5 games.

On November 15, 2010, Feliz was awarded the 2010 American League Rookie of the Year Award.[9] He was also named the closer on Baseball America's 2010 All-Rookie Team and the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team.[10][11]

2011

Feliz pitching for the Texas Rangers in 2009

In 2011, Feliz was 2–3 with a 2.74 ERA and 32 saves (5th in the American League and tied for 9th-most in Rangers history).[12][13] During Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, with two outs, two strikes, and two runners on, Feliz blew a save as he surrendered a 2-run triple to David Freese, who would then homer later to seal a Cardinals 10–9 win in the 11th inning.[14] The Rangers then lost their second straight World Series appearance after losing Game 7 to the Cardinals 6–2.

2012

With the addition of veteran closer Joe Nathan, the Rangers transitioned Feliz into the starting rotation for the 2012 season. His first start came on April 10 against the Seattle Mariners. He pitched 7 shutout innings, only giving up 4 hits and 2 walks with 4 strikeouts in a 1–0 victory. On May 21, 2012, Feliz was placed on the 60-day disabled list due to a sprained UCL. After several rehab appearances Feliz underwent Tommy John surgery on August 1, 2012.[15] In 8 games (7 starts), he went 3–1 with a 3.16 ERA during his injury-shortened 2012 year.

2013

Feliz began the 2013 season on the 60-day disabled list still recovering from Tommy John surgery. On September 1, he was activated from the disabled list with the intention to use him in low-leverage situations.[16] He pitched later that night in a lost cause to the Minnesota Twins, pitching 1+2⁄3 innings of relief. Feliz finished the season with only six appearances in which he did not give up a run and struck-out four.[17]

2014

Feliz opened the season as the Rangers set-up man. He became the closer again after Joakim Soria was traded.[18] He saved 13 games by the end of the season for the Rangers despite only appearing in 30 games due to injury.

2015

Feliz was Designated for assignment on July 3, 2015 after posting underwhelming stats and being on the DL for the third straight season.[19] He was outrighted off the roster on July 9 and elected to become a free agent.[20]

Detroit Tigers

On July 11, 2015, Feliz signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers.[21] He made his debut for the Tigers later that day, pitching a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit and one strikeout.[22] After the season, on December 2, he was non tendered, making him a free agent.[23]

Pittsburgh Pirates

On January 6, 2016, Feliz signed a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.[24] Feliz appeared in 62 contests for the Pirates, pitching to a 4–2 record and 3.52 ERA with 61 strikeouts in 532⁄3 innings of work. He became a free agent after the season.

Milwaukee Brewers

On January 19, 2017, Feliz signed a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.[25] Feliz was designated for assignment on June 14 after struggling to a 1–5 record and 6.00 ERA in 29 appearances. The Brewers released him on June 19.[26]

Kansas City Royals

On June 22, 2017, Feliz was signed to a major league contract by the Kansas City Royals.[27][non-primary source needed] Feliz posted a 4.74 ERA in 20 games before being released by Kansas City on September 1.[28]

Arizona Diamondbacks

On January 28, 2018, Feliz signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[29] He spent the season with the Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate, the Reno Aces, where he posted a 6–5 record and 4.81 ERA in 37 games with the team. He elected free agency on November 3, 2018.

Seattle Mariners

On April 10, 2019, Feliz signed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners.[30] However, Feliz never appeared in a game for the organization, and spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons out of affiliated ball.

Philadelphia Phillies

On December 17, 2020, Feliz signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies organization.[31] He was assigned to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs to begin the 2021 season, where he recorded a 2–1 record and 1.26 ERA in 15 games. On June 25, 2021, Feliz was selected to the active roster.[32] On July 1, Feliz was designated for assignment by the Phillies after struggling to a 36.00 ERA across 2 appearances.[33] On July 3, Feliz elected free agency.[34]

Los Angeles Dodgers

On July 6, 2021, Feliz signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.[35] He was assigned to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers but was added to the major league roster on August 16.[36] He pitched one scoreless inning for the Dodgers on August 22 before he was designated for assignment two days later.[37] On August 27, Feliz cleared waivers and was assigned outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City.[1] He was called back up to the majors on September 6.[38] He pitched in two more games, on September 7 and 8, pitching two scoreless innings[39] before he was again designated for assignment on September 9 and then outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City on September 11.[40] In AAA, he pitched 26+2⁄3 innings over 20 games with a 4.73 ERA.[2] On October 14, Feliz elected free agency.[41]

Sultanes de Monterrey

On March 7, 2022, Feliz signed with the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League for the 2022 season.[42]

References

  1. ^ a b "Neftalí Feliz Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com.
  2. ^ a b "Neftali Feliz Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com.
  3. ^ "Texas Rangers' Feliz gets call to majors". The Dallas Morning News. Dallas News. August 2, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  4. ^ T.R., Sullivan. "Rangers' Feliz makes statement in debut". Major League Baseball. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  5. ^ Fitt, Aaron (January 25, 2010). "Texas Rangers Organization Top 10 Prospects". Baseball America. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  6. ^ Caplan, Jeff (April 12, 2010). "Feliz takes struggling Francisco's role". ESPN. Retrieved April 23, 2010.
  7. ^ "The Fastest Pitcher in Baseball History". baseball-almanac.com. BaseballAlmanac. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
  8. ^ "Mitch Moreland, Josh Hamilton power Rangers to win in World Series Game 3". ESPN. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
  9. ^ "Feliz wins AL Rookie of the Year Award". Major League Baseball. Retrieved November 16, 2010.
  10. ^ Eddy, Matt (October 19, 2010). "Future Big League Stars Highlight All-Rookie Team". Baseball America. Retrieved October 21, 2010.
  11. ^ "Valencia awarded with rookie honor". Major League Baseball. November 29, 2010. Archived from the original on December 8, 2010. Retrieved December 11, 2010.
  12. ^ "Neftali Feliz Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
  13. ^ "Texas Rangers Top 10 Pitching Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  14. ^ "Neftali Feliz Speechless After Game 6". ESPN. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
  15. ^ "Report: Rangers may bring Neftali Feliz back as a reliever in 2013". cbssports.com. CBS Sports. Retrieved October 5, 2012.
  16. ^ Wilson, Jeff. "Rangers plan to activate Lance Berkman, Neftali Feliz on Sunday". Star-Telegram.
  17. ^ "Neftali Feliz Statistics and History". Baseball Reference.
  18. ^ "Report: Neftali Feliz to become Rangers closer". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  19. ^ Sulivan, T. R. (July 4, 2015). "Former All-Star closer Feliz designated". Major League Baseball. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  20. ^ "Rangers' Feliz refuses minor league assignment". ESPN. Associated Press. July 9, 2015. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  21. ^ Iott, Chris (July 11, 2015). "Detroit Tigers agree to terms with right-handed relief pitcher Neftali Feliz". Booth Newspapers. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  22. ^ Helfand, Betsy (July 11, 2015). "Feliz fires shutout inning in Tigers debut". Major League Baseball. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  23. ^ Schmehl, James (December 2, 2015). "Detroit Tigers cut ties with relievers Neftali Feliz, Al Alburquerque". MLive.com. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  24. ^ "Pirates sign Neftalí Feliz". NBCSports. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
  25. ^ McCalvy, Adam (January 19, 2017). "Brewers sign Feliz to 1-year deal". Major League Baseball. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
  26. ^ "Milwaukee Brewers release former closer Neftali Feliz". Fox Sports. June 19, 2017.
  27. ^ Rosenthal, Ken (June 22, 2017). "Source: Royals in agreement with Neftali Feliz, pending physical". Retrieved June 22, 2017.
  28. ^ "Neftali Feliz: Released by Royals". cbssports.com. CBS Sports. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  29. ^ Downing, Kyle (January 28, 2018). "Diamondbacks Sign Neftali Feliz To Minor-League Deal". mlbtraderumors.com. MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
  30. ^ Todd, Jeff (April 11, 2019). "Mariners Reportedly Agree To Deal With Neftali Feliz". mlbtraderumors.com. MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  31. ^ Seidman, Corey (December 17, 2020). "Phillies reportedly add former All-Star closer on low-risk deal". nbcsports.com. NBC Sports Philadelphia. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
  32. ^ "Phillies DFA David Hale, Select Neftali Feliz". MLB Trade Rumors.
  33. ^ Adams, Steve (July 1, 2021). "Phillies Designate Neftali Feliz for assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  34. ^ "Neftali Feliz Elects Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors.
  35. ^ "Dodgers Sign Neftali Feliz". MLB Trade Rumors.
  36. ^ Harris, Blake (August 16, 2021). "Dodgers call up No. 7 prospect Andre Jackson". SB Nation. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  37. ^ Stephen, Eric (August 24, 2021). "Julio Urías activated off injured list to start opener vs. Padres". SB Nation. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  38. ^ Harris, Blake (September 6, 2021). "Dodgers select contract of Neftalí Féliz". SB Nation. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  39. ^ "Neftali Feliz 2021 Pitching Game Log". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  40. ^ Adams, Steve (September 9, 2021). "Dodgers Designate Neftali Feliz For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  41. ^ "Players Recently Electing Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
  42. ^ "NEFTALÍ FELIZ APAGARÁ EL FUEGO EN EL BULLPEN DE SULTANES". sultanes.com.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved March 7, 2022.
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