Neftali Feliz—Get Well Soon! Thoughts on Thursday’s Game

Remember those questions we had about the bullpen when the season started? The Texas Rangers didn’t have a designated set-up man, they had two 40+ year olds in the ‘pen, but there were no questions about the ability of the lock-down closer Neftali Feliz. Now Feliz is hurt and the ninth inning is a scary place.

Yesterday afternoon the Rangers took on the Toronto Blue Jays in the last game of a four-game series. The game was tied at 2 a piece going into the ninth. Enter Darren Oliver age 40, Oliver was tasked with keeping the game tied for the Rangers to score the go-ahead run in the bottom of the inning. This didn’t happen.

In the top of the ninth, the Jays got two men on base and after a bunt single from Corey Patterson, the game was 3-2. Jose Bautista was walked to load the bases. After an error from Adrian Beltre, the Jays picked up another run. In the same play Darren Oliver trying to get a base runner out, threw the ball to second and it went into the outfield. Final score…Toronto Blue Jays 5 Texas Ranger 2.

Should the Rangers be looking for bullpen help on the trade block? Can we rely on the young arms we have in the minor league system? It will be interesting to see what moves the club makes in the coming weeks.

-Jonathan