Philadelphia Phillies give Neftali Feliz another chance

Dave Dombrowski just cannot quit Neftali Feliz, as the Philadelphia Phillies are giving him another chance at the majors.

Back on July 11, 2015, the Detroit Tigers signed Neftali Feliz in an attempt to bolster their bullpen. It would be one of the last moves that Dave Dombrowski would make with the franchise, as he was let go by Detroit approximately a month later. Dombrowski would then go on to the Red Sox before and the part of the Nashville baseball group before heading to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Now that Dombrowski is in Philadelphia, he is tasked with trying to rebuild the Phillies bullpen. In turn, he has turned to a familiar face, giving Feliz another chance at the majors.

Feliz has not pitched in the majors since 2017, and has not been in affiliated ball since he signed a minor league contract with the Diamondbacks in 2018. However, he has spent the past three years in the Dominican Winter League, working towards an attempted comeback.

He has pitched well for the Aguilas Cibaenas in the DWL this year. Feliz has posted a 3.29 ERA and a 1.098 WHiP in his 13.2 innings, striking out 20 batters with six walks. He has been their closer this offseason, notching seven saves while earning one victory.

Feliz had been a solid closer in the majors before an ill-fated attempt to convert him into a starter. He had two seasons with over 30 saves, making the All Star Game in 2010, winning the AL Rookie of the Year that season. However, injuries have ruined his career, putting his future in question.

While nothing will be handed to Feliz in Philadelphia, it is a perfect opportunity. The Phillies desperately need help in the bullpen, especially on the heels of their attempts to revamp their relief corps last season. Feliz is still only 32 years old, and if healthy, could be a part of the solution.

The Philadelphia Phillies have added Neftali Feliz on a minor league deal. While this may not move the needle, he could be the perfect reclamation project.