Mariners Release Veteran Pitcher Neftalí Feliz After Spring Training Stint
Seattle Mariners have released veteran right-handed pitcher Neftalí Feliz from his minor league contract on March 14, 2025, just months after signing him in December 2024. The move comes after Feliz struggled too find his form during Spring Training.
Feliz’s Spring Training Performance Falls Short
The 2010 American League Rookie of the Year wiht the Texas Rangers, Neftalí Feliz, 36, struggled to impress in his limited Spring Training appearances for the Mariners. In four innings pitched, he posted a 6.75 ERA, allowing three earned runs on six hits. He recorded only one strikeout and issued no walks.
Mariners Announce Other Roster Moves
In addition to Feliz’s release, the Mariners announced that right-handed pitcher Will Klein was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma. Infielders nick Dunn and Samad Taylor were reassigned to minor league camp.
Feliz Aimed for MLB Return After Time in Mexican and Dominican Leagues
Feliz last pitched in the Major Leagues in 2021 with the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers. Sence then, he has pitched in both the Mexican League and the Dominican Winter League. In 2023 in Mexico, he recorded a 1.38 ERA with 11 saves in 26 innings. He followed that up in 2024 with a 1.93 ERA and six saves in nine appearances. In the Dominican Winter League, he had a 2.11 ERA with nine saves for Estrellas Orientales.
**How do the Mariners’ roster moves, including Feliz’s release and Will Klein’s optioning to Triple-A, reflect the team’s current needs and priorities for the upcoming season?**
Mariners Release Veteran Pitcher Neftalí Feliz After spring Training Stint
Seattle Mariners have released veteran right-handed pitcher Neftalí Feliz from his minor league contract on March 14, 2025, just months after signing him in December 2024. The move comes after Feliz struggled too find his form during Spring Training.
Feliz’s spring Training Performance Falls Short
The 2010 American League Rookie of the Year wiht the Texas Rangers, Neftalí Feliz, 36, struggled to impress in his limited Spring Training appearances for the Mariners. In four innings pitched, he posted a 6.75 ERA, allowing three earned runs on six hits. He recorded only one strikeout and issued no walks.
Mariners Announce Othre roster Moves
In addition to Feliz’s release, the Mariners announced that right-handed pitcher Will Klein was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma. Infielders nick Dunn and Samad Taylor were reassigned to minor league camp.
Feliz Aimed for MLB Return After Time in Mexican and Dominican Leagues
Feliz last pitched in the Major leagues in 2021 with the Philadelphia Phillies and los Angeles Dodgers. Sence then, he has pitched in both the Mexican League and the Dominican Winter League. In 2023 in Mexico, he recorded a 1.38 ERA with 11 saves in 26 innings. He followed that up in 2024 with a 1.93 ERA and six saves in nine appearances. In the Dominican Winter League,he had a 2.11 ERA with nine saves for Estrellas Orientales.
Neftalí Feliz: Q&A
why did the mariners release Neftalí Feliz?
The Mariners released Feliz due to his poor performance during Spring Training. His 6.75 ERA and limited strikeouts weren’t enough to secure a spot on the team.
What does “optioned to Triple-A” mean for Will Klein?
Being “optioned” means Will Klein has been sent to the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers, to continue developing and perhaps be called up to the MLB team later in the season.
Why did Neftalí Feliz sign with the Mariners after playing in other leagues?
Feliz was trying to make a comeback to Major League Baseball.His strong performances in the mexican League and Dominican Winter League likely caught the Mariners’ attention, giving him a chance to compete for a bullpen role.
What’s the significance of the 2010 American League Rookie of the Year award?
It highlights Feliz’s past success. He was a dominant closer for the Texas Rangers, showing he has the potential to perform at a high level. This award likely gave him extra chances to prove himself.
What’s next for Neftalí Feliz?
Feliz will likely explore opportunities with other teams or continue playing in the Mexican league or Dominican Winter League, hoping for another chance at an MLB return. He may also consider a coaching role.
The Mariners’ decision to release Feliz underscores the competitive nature of professional baseball, even for experienced players. Keep an eye on Feliz’s next move and see if he can find his way back to the big leagues.
