Update -- The Tigers have officially signed Neftali Feliz, according to MLive.com's Chris Iott. The move was considered likely after it was first mentioned by Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez on MLB Network last night. Feliz elected free agency on Thursday after being designated for assignment by the Rangers and clearing waivers.
Feliz drew significant interest from around the league, with the Red Sox, Twins, Braves and Giants thought to have interest in addition to the Tigers, according to major-league sources. He will join a revamped bullpen that has seen the subtractions of veterans Joba Chamberlain and Tom Gorzelanny in recent days, likely as a late-inning option in front of Bruce Rondon and Joakim Soria.
Feliz, the 2010 AL Rookie of the Year, has struggled with injuries in recent years, and posted a 4.58 ERA in 19.2 innings with Texas this season. He is the owner of a lifetime 13-10 record and 2.69 ERA in the majors, and has notched 93 saves in 216 appearances since breaking into the majors in 2009.
Feliz was a major part of the Rangers' run to the World Series in 2010, when he saved 40 games and posted a 2.73 ERA while striking out 71 batters in 69.1 innings of work. He will hope to regain that form with a change of scenery in Detroit, where the bullpen has struggled all season.