Neftali Feliz leaves start with shoulder stiffness

Converted Rangers starting pitcher Neftali Feliz has left his spring training start Tuesday after throwing only three of his scheduled four innings. That's because he experienced some soreness in his right (throwing) shoulder (Fort Worth Star-Telegram via Twitter).

The report indicates Feliz will continue to be "evaluated."

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Feliz, 23, was the Rangers closer each of the past two seasons -- ones in which they reached the World Series. He's now being shifted to the rotation because many, obviously including Rangers brass, believe he has top-of-the-rotation stuff.

The good news is that Feliz had a good spring outing until he had to leave. He threw three shutout innings, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out two. ESPN Dallas reports that Feliz was throwing a fastball between 93 and 95 m.p.h. He had struggled in his first two starts (7.20 ERA).

Now, some are sure to overreact and say Feliz belongs as a closer -- see! his shoulder is sore because he's starting!! -- but let's settle down. It's spring training. Guys get sore. Expect the Rangers to move forward with Feliz in the rotation and Joe Nathan as the closer.

The Rangers have options in the rotation if Feliz missed time anyway, as Scott Feldman, Alexi Ogando and Matt Harrison are already battling for the fifth starter job.