D-backs add veteran reliever Feliz
PHOENIX -- The D-backs continue to add veteran relief candidates, as they signed right-hander Neftali Feliz to a Minor League contract Monday that includes an invitation to Spring Training.
This past week, the D-backs also signed veteran right-handers Michael Blazek, Kris Medlen and Noel Salas and lefty Antonio Bastardo to Minor League deals with Spring Training invitations.
• D-backs add four veteran relievers to Minors deals
It's a strategy the D-backs employed last year, as well, when they signed J.J. Hoover and T.J. McFarland to similar deals. Both wound up contributing at the big league level as the team won the top National League Wild Card spot.
Feliz, 29, has pitched in parts of nine big league seasons, appearing in 357 games, all but seven in relief, with a career 3.49 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. Last season, he appeared in 49 games between the Brewers and Royals and had a 5.48 ERA.
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Feliz is best remembered for his work as closer for the Rangers during their back-to-back trips to the World Series in 2010-11. He won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2010. Between the 2010-11 seasons, Feliz saved 72 games.
D-backs pitchers and catchers have their first workout at Salt River Fields on Feb. 14.