ARLINGTON, Texas — When Neftali Feliz is healthy and returns to the Texas Rangers pitching staff, he plans to do so as a starter.
Feliz, who went on the disabled list Monday with a sprained right UCL, will not throw a baseball for another month and possibly longer. Once he's cleared to throw, he has to build up his arm strength before he can return to the mound.
Texas general manager Jon Daniels said earlier this week that the Rangers have to do what's in the best interest of Feliz and the team. Feliz made it clear Friday that he believes that's as a starter.
"My mind is coming back to start, being back in the rotation," said Feliz, who is 3-1 with a 3.16 ERA this season. "That's what I think. It's not going to be my decision. It's up to them."
The Rangers are using Scott Feldman in the rotation spot vacated by Feliz for now. Texas manager Ron Washington said Feldman will get another start Tuesday because the Rangers don't have any other options.
He said he knows what Feldman can do and believes he can do better than he's shown in his three spot starts this season.
As for the future of Feliz, Washington said it's too soon to tell.
"First Neffy has got to get healthy," he said. "We're not ready to discuss what he's going to do or what he's not going to do. Get healthy and then when we get to that point, we'll make that decision."
Despite being limited to just conditioning work, Feliz will travel with the team for the time being. The Rangers can watch his progress that way. Once he's healthy enough to throw, they'll likely send him to Surprise, Ariz., to continue his rehab.
