After just one inning of work spread out over two outings, Neftali Feliz has been designated for assignment by the Phillies. Right-hander Brandon Kintlzer was reinstated off the injured list in his place.
Feliz, now 33, was seeing his first big league action since 2017. Despite the layoff, he was immediately dropped into some high leverage situations with the Phillies. He came on with a two-run lead over the Reds with a man aboard in his debut, but ended up loading the bases and surrendering a go-ahead grand slam to Nick Castellanos. The righty then came on with two men aboard and a one-run lead in his second outing, but ended up being tagged for two runs and the lead.
The results for Neftali Feliz were much better with AAA Lehigh Valley. Through 14 and a third with the Ironpigs, he worked to a 1.26 ERA while striking out 23. If the Phillies do end up releasing him, he could find himself with another bullpen by season’s end.
Feliz won AL Rookie of the Year in 2010 with the Rangers. He was also an All Star that year, his first and only All Star nod.
It was with Texas that Neftali Feliz had most of his success. He recorded 40 saves in 2010 then another 32 in 2011. The Rangers then made a questionable decision to move him to the rotation in 2012. After just eight outings, he suffered an elbow injury that would cause him to miss the remainder of the 2012 season and the vast majority of the 2013 campaign.
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