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Figueroa wins spot in bullpen

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Pedro Figueroa, a power-throwing left-hander who impressed early in camp, has won a job in the Rangers bullpen.

Figueroa is a left-hander who has always been able to throw hard, but struggled with command issues. This spring he pitched seven innings in the Cactus League and did not walk a batter while striking out six. He gave up three runs on seven hits.

"We always knew he had a big arm," general manager Jon Daniels said. "He's not just a left-on-left guy. He can throw multiple innings. He has had command issues in the past, but he has thrown quality strikes here in camp. This gives him an opportunity to show what he can do."

Figueroa has pitched in 24 games and 24 2/3 innings with the Athletics over the past two years, with a 4.38 ERA, 24 hits, 18 walks and 17 strikeouts. At Triple-A Sacramento last season, he allowed 33 walks with 49 strikeouts in 59 innings.

Figueroa joins a bullpen that already includes closer Joakim Soria, left-hander Neal Cotts and right-handers Alexi Ogando and Jason Frasor. That leaves two spots open.

Rule 5 Draft pick Seth Rosin, claimed on waivers from the Dodgers on Wednesday, is one candidate. The others are right-handers Shawn Tolleson and Daniel McCutchen and left-handers Ryan Feierabend and Michael Kirkman

T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger.
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