Tigers sign Neftali Feliz

The Detroit Tigers have announced the signing right-hander Neftali Feliz, according to Chris Iott of MLive.com. Feliz will join the team today.

The 27-year-old Feliz elected his release from the Rangers after being designated for assignment and clearing waivers. 

It makes sense that Feliz was picked up quickly, as the pitcher has a good pedigree, throws into the mid- and upper-90s with his fastball, and has spent time in the closer's role already.

With the Rangers this season, Feliz was 1-2 with a 4.58 ERA (4.14 FIP) in 18 appearances, saving six games in nine chances. He logged 19 2/3 innings and pitched to a 16 to nine strikeout-to-walk ratio.

The former Rookie of the Year award winner has had control issues throughout his career, causing him to be inconsistent.

The Tigers bullpen will not need Feliz to close with Joakim Soria doing a solid job in that role. As a unit, however, the Tigers' bullpen has the sixth-highest ERA in baseball and the highest xFIP. 

If Detroit can find a way to fix some of Feliz's control issues, this addition of him mid-season could be a steal for them and could go a long way in improving their bullpen. 

--Devan Fink

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