Pirates sign free agent Neftali Feliz

The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Neftali Feliz to a one-year contract for the 2016 season. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.
Feliz began the 2015 season with Texas and posted six saves in his 18 appearances with the Rangers before signing with Detroit as a free agent on July 11. He finished the campaign with the Tigers, where he made 30 appearances and recorded a save in three of his last four outings.
"Neftali Feliz is a veteran relief pitcher with a quality pitch arsenal who showed signs of returning to his pre-injury form in 2014 and again at times in 2015," said Huntington. "He has shown the ability to pitch in high leverage situations in the past and we believe we can help him regain that form and be an important part of our 2016 bullpen."
The 27-year-old Feliz was a 2010 American League All-Star and was named the A.L. Rookie-of-the-Year that season after posting a 2.73 ERA and 40 saves in a career-high 70 appearances. Feliz produced 32 saves with the Rangers in 2011 and his 97 career saves rank 21st among active pitchers.
In 2014, Feliz posted a 1.99 ERA (31.2ip/7er), a 0.98 WHIP and 13 saves in 30 games with Texas.
Since making his Major League debut with the Rangers in 2009, Feliz has posted a 3.17 ERA in 246 games. He has also produced a 1.93 ERA (18.2ip/4er) and seven saves in 18 postseason games.
The Pirates have also designated catcher Tony Sanchez for assignment.