Texas Rangers Struggles Could Be Somewhat Easy to Fix

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Remove Neftali Feliz from the closer role

There was a time when Neftali Feliz was an All-Star caliber closer, a pitcher who was virtually automatic in the ninth inning. Then he failed to record that final out of the 2011 World Series, leading to the failed attempt at putting him in the rotation. While he was solid last season, Feliz just has not been the same since, even before his arm injury.

Now penciled in as the closer, Feliz has posted a 5.23 ERA and a 1.935 WHiP. While he has two saves, Feliz was unable to preserve the victory two other times. His velocity has been down, and while Feliz is still generating strikeouts, he has been quite hitable this season.

Even though the other candidates in the bullpen have their own flaws, it is time to see what else the Texas Rangers have in the cupboard. Shawn Tolleson may have been the next candidate in line before getting blasted for four runs while recording just two outs on Friday. Perhaps Stolmy Pimentel or Keone Kela can lay a claim to the closer role.

Neftali Feliz had been a good closer for the Texas Rangers. He just is not any longer, and it may be time to wonder if he ever will be.

Next: All we need is just a little patience