A couple of weeks ago, the Texas Rangers' run with former AL Rookie of the Year and all-star closer Neftali Feliz came to an end when they designated him for assignment.
Ten days after that, Feliz had cleared waivers and elected to take free agency instead of accepting a minor-league assignment and he quickly inked with the bullpen-starved Detroit Tigers.
On Saturday night, Feliz made his debut in the Tigers' clubhouse on the road in Minnesota, and he immediately was thrown into the fire, tossing a scoreless inning in the Tigers' 9-5 loss to the Twins. He threw 15 pitches, allowed a hit and fanned one hitter.
With the Rangers in 2015, Feliz posted a 4.58 ERA in 18 appearances. He lost his closer's job in mid-May after blowing his third save in nine chances. He handed the job over to Shawn Tolleson, who has been tremendous in the role.
The Tigers have a history with former Rangers relievers, with mixed results. Joe Nathan signed with Detroit following the 2013 season and struggled, losing his closer's job in 2014. Joakim Soria was traded to Detroit last year and quickly became the Tigers' closer, a role he still has.
