Rangers Make Deal With Feliz

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The Texas Rangers avoided salary arbitration with closer Neftali Feliz Thursday, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $4.125 million.

Feliz, the closer on the Rangers’ World Series teams in 2010 and 2011, returned to the role last July when Texas traded Joakim Soria to the Detroit Tigers.

Feliz, a right-hander, had 81 saves in 2010 and 2011 but was converted to a starter in 2012 when the Rangers signed Joe Nathan. Feliz ended up having Tommy John surgery on Aug. 1, 2012, and did not make it back to the Rangers until late in the 2013 season.

He spent the first half of last season at Triple-A and then made 13 saves with a 1.99 ERA in 30 appearances after replacing Soria.

Feliz, 26, is fourth in team history with 87 saves.

Feliz, who made $3 million in 2014, is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2016 season.

The Rangers also hope to avoid arbitration with left-handed starter Ross Detwiler and first baseman Mitch Moreland.