RHP Feliz to remain closer for Rangers (AP)
RHP Feliz to remain closer for Rangers (AP)
Neftali Feliz will keep closing games instead of starting them for the AL champion Texas Rangers. As for the Texas rotation, what seemed set Thursday morning was in flux within hours. Feliz, who set a major league rookie record with 40 saves last season, had been stretched out this spring in case the Rangers decided to use the hard-throwing righty as a starter.
Phils’ Lidge likely to open season on DL (AP)
Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge has been shut down with shoulder soreness and likely will begin the season on the disabled list. The 34-year-old right-hander made his first appearance in nearly two weeks Thursday. He started the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins with two outs, but was pulled after giving up a home run and back-to-back walks.
NLCS MVP Ross out 3 weeks for Giants (AP)
San Francisco Giants outfielder Cody Ross is expected to miss the next three weeks because of a strained right calf. Ross hurt himself chasing down a flyball in a game Wednesday. The MVP of last year’s NL championship series had an MRI exam Thursday that confirmed the injury. The Giants have several options to replace Ross in right field when the regular season begins next week.