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The Rangers will have to wait for Neftali Feliz to heal from his Tommy John surgery in 2012, but they acted fast in signing the 24-year-old right-hander. Feliz and Texas agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million contract on Thursday, according to Anthony Andro of FOX Sports Southwest,. He can earn more with incentives.
Feliz moved from the bullpen to the rotation last spring, but elbow troubles plagued the young northpaw. After just eight appearances and 42⅔ innings, Feliz underwent Tommy John surgery in late May and missed the remainder of the season.
When he was on the mound, Feliz looked similar to his 2011 season in the bullpen: effectively wild. Though he walked nearly five batters per nine innings, Feliz managed to keep his ERA down to 3.16. Other metrics, like FIP, are not as kind, giving the righty a 4.59 mark.
While Feliz probably won't be ready for Opening Day, he should be ready within the season's first three months. He will probably return to the bullpen.
