Texas Rangers Spring Training: Quick Hits

SURPRISE, Arizona – On Friday, Texas Rangers pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training. There is already news coming out of camp, and positional players do not have to report until February 25. Here are some stories from around the web you may have missed.

A Trimmed Feliz Has High Expections

Neftali Feliz has trimmed about 10 pounds and put on some muscle and feels ready to conquer the season:

Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas closer said he wants to save between 40 and 50 games for the Rangers, which would be a great sign for the Rangers. “I feel better mentally and I feel more comfortable with my arm,” Feliz said. “I’m working out more this year than last. I feel better with my confidence.” (via Anthony Andro of FOX Sports Southwest)

Harrison Returns to Camp

Despite having potentially career-ending surgery, Matt Harrison has returned to Surprise, Arizona with the Texas Rangers ready to get back to work.

“I was told it takes nine to 12 months to fully heal, and I am getting close to nine months,” Harrison said. “It’s hard to be patient at this point because I feel good. I want to keep going and keep pushing, but at the same time, I have one shot at this, so I don’t want to screw it up by trying to do something too soon.” (via Ron Matejko special to ESPNDallas.com)

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Texas Rangers Still Looking for Bullpen Arms

Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels knows they still need at least another reliever, and Phil Coke might just be the guy for the job.

The Rangers remain in the market for another left-handed bullpen candidate. According to an individual familiar with the process, they monitored a recent throwing session by free-agent left-hander Phil Coke. (via Gerry Fraley of The Dallas Morning News)

Jon Daniels Has Profar’s Back

We were blindsided (well, I was) with the news that Jurickson Profar will undergo shoulder surgery on Monday. After taking it slow and having an MRI about once a month – all of which never indicated the strain had returned – the Rangers announced on Thursday that Profar would indeed need surgery. The announcement caused a ton criticism of the second baseman as well as the Texas Rangers. But, JD stands up for the once highly touted prospect.

Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY

“I don’t think that’s fair,” Daniels said during a press conference with manager Jeff Banister. “This is a 22-year old young man who wants badly to play, absolutely worked his butt off.” (via Stefan Stevenson of the Star-Telegram)

Well, what an eventful day. I am praying to the baseball gods that this is the last major injury the Texas Rangers will have to endure this season. Tomorrow marks the first day of Spring Training workouts. The first full-squad workouts begin February 26. Here we go!

Next: Will Profar Miss the Entire Season?