Michael Feliz

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Michael Feliz

|image = Michael Feliz in 2017.jpg

|image_size =

|caption = Feliz with the Houston Astros in 2017

|team = Leones de Yucatán

|number = 45

|position = Pitcher

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|6|28}}

|birth_place = Azua, Dominican Republic

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = May 31

|debutyear = 2015

|debutteam = Houston Astros

|debut2league= NPB

|debut2date = August 22

|debut2year = 2023

|debut2team = Chunichi Dragons

|statyear = 2022 season

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 17–9

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 5.29

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 328

|stat2year = 2024 season

|stat2league = NPB

|stat21label = Win–loss record

|stat21value = 1-1

|stat22label = Earned run average

|stat22value = 4.26

|stat23label = Strikeouts

|stat23value = 26

|teams =

Houston Astros ({{mlby|2015}}–{{mlby|2017}})
Pittsburgh Pirates ({{mlby|2018}}–{{mlby|2021}})
Cincinnati Reds ({{mlby|2021}})
Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2021}})
Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2021}})
Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2022}})
Chunichi Dragons ({{npby|2023}}–{{npby|2024}})

}}

Michael Feliz Lemos (born June 28, 1993) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, and Oakland Athletics, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chunichi Dragons. Listed at {{convert|6|ft|4|in|m}} and {{convert|250|lb|kg}}, he throws and bats right-handed.

Career

=Houston Astros=

Feliz signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent in May 2010. In 2014, he played in the All-Star Futures Game.{{cite web|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-prospects-take-lumps-in-Futures-Game-5619180.php|title=Astros prospects get All-Star taste at Futures Game|date=14 July 2014|publisher=}}

Feliz made his MLB debut with the Astros on May 31, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2015/05/31/despite-short-stay-astros-prospect-michael-feliz-appreciative-of-opportunity/|title=Despite short stay, Astros prospect Michael Feliz appreciative of opportunity - Ultimate Astros|website=blog.chron.com|date=June 2015}} In five relief appearances with the 2015 Astros, he had a 7.88 earned run average (ERA) and struck out seven batters in eight innings pitched.

During spring training in 2016, Feliz beat out James Hoyt for the final spot on the Astros' Opening Day roster.{{cite web|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-report-Michael-Feliz-edges-James-Hoyt-for-7223725.php|title=Astros report: Michael Feliz edges James Hoyt for final roster spot|date=2 April 2016|publisher=}} After throwing 107 pitches in relief during the second game of the season, he was optioned back to the minors the next day.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/15155905/houston-astros-send-michael-feliz-day-throwing-107-pitches|title=Astros demote RHP day after throwing 107 pitches|date=7 April 2016|publisher=}} On April 25, he was promoted back to the major leagues.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/team/transactions/_/name/hou/year/2016|title=Houston Astros 2016 Team Transactions: Trades, DL, Free Agents and Callups – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-05-08}} Overall with the 2016 Astros, Feliz appeared in 47 MLB games, all in relief, compiling an 8–1 win–loss record with 4.43 ERA while recording 95 strikeouts in 65 innings.

In 2017, Feliz made 46 relief appearances and finished with a 4–2 record and a 5.63 ERA. He was not on the team's postseason roster, as the Astros went on to win the 2017 World Series.{{cite web|last1=McTaggart|first1=Brian|last2=Gurnick|first2=Ken|title=Houston Astros win 2017 World Series|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-beat-dodgers-to-win-first-world-series-c260380704|publisher=MLB|access-date=November 2, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107012212/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/260380704/astros-beat-dodgers-to-win-first-world-series/|url-status=live}}

Overall in parts of three seasons with Houston, Feliz struck out 172 batters in 121 innings while compiling a 5.13 ERA in 98 appearances.

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

On January 13, 2018, the Astros traded Feliz, along with Joe Musgrove, Colin Moran and Jason Martin, to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Gerrit Cole.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-land-gerrit-cole-in-trade-with-pirates/c-264677578|title=Astros land Cole in 5-player deal with Pirates|work=mlb.com|date=January 13, 2018|accessdate=January 13, 2018|first=Brian|last=McTaggart}} Feliz pitched exclusively out of the bullpen for the 2018 Pirates, appearing in 47 games while registering a 5.66 ERA and striking out 55 batters in {{frac|47|2|3}} innings. In 2019, Feliz recorded an 3.99 ERA while compiling a 4–4 record with 73 strikeouts in {{frac|56|1|3}} innings, across 57 relief appearances and one start. In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Feliz only appeared in three games, allowing six runs on four hits in {{frac|1|2|3}} innings of work before missing the remainder of the season due to a forearm/elbow strain.{{Cite web|url=https://rumbunter.com/2021/02/10/pittsburgh-pirates-2021-outlook-sam-howard/|title = Pittsburgh Pirates 2021 Outlook: Sam Howard|date = 10 February 2021}} In 2021, Feliz recorded a 2.35 ERA in seven games for the Pirates before being designated for assignment on May 9.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/pirates-claim-ben-gamel-designate-michael-feliz.html|title = Pirates Claim Ben Gamel, Designate Michael Feliz| date=9 May 2021 }}

Overall in parts of four seasons with the Pirates, Feliz appeared in 115 MLB games while recording 138 strikeouts in {{frac|113|1|3}} innings with a 5.00 ERA.

=Cincinnati Reds=

On May 14, 2021, Feliz was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/reds-claim-michael-feliz-waivers-pirates-sal-romano-dfa.html|title=Reds Claim Michael Feliz, DFA Sal Romano|date=14 May 2021 }} In nine appearances for the Reds, Feliz struggled to a 16.20 ERA with nine strikeouts. On June 4, Feliz earned the first save of his major league career, against the St. Louis Cardinals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN202106040.shtml|title=Cincinnati Reds at St. Louis Cardinals Box Score, June 4, 2021}} On August 23, Feliz was designated for assignment by the Reds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/reds-dfa-michael-feliz.html|title=Reds Designate Michael Feliz for Assignment|date=23 August 2021 }} On August 25, Feliz was placed on release waivers by the Reds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/reds-tejay-antone-injury-elbow.html|title = Reds' Tejay Antone Being Evaluated for Elbow Discomfort| date=25 August 2021 }}

=Boston Red Sox=

On August 28, 2021, Feliz was signed to a minor-league contract by the Boston Red Sox, who assigned him to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox.{{cite tweet |user=SoxProspects |number=1431744050483404802 |title=The Red Sox have signed RHR Michael Feliz to a minor league deal and assigned him to Worcester. |date=August 28, 2021 |accessdate=August 28, 2021}} Feliz was added to Boston's active roster on September 6.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/roster/transactions/2021/09 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |publisher=Boston Red Sox |date=September 2021 |accessdate=September 6, 2021}} After making four relief appearances with the Red Sox, Feliz was designated for assignment on September 17.{{cite news |url=https://bostonsportswave.com/2021/09/17/boston-red-sox-option-ryan-brasier-to-triple-a-worcester-designate-michael-feliz-for-assignment-chris-sale-matt-barnes-activated/ |title=Red Sox Option Ryan Brasier to Triple-A Worcester, Designate Michael Feliz For Assignment; Chris Sale, Matt Barnes Activated Off COVID-19 Related Injured List |first=Quinn |last=Riley |website=bostonsportswave.com |date=September 17, 2021 |accessdate=September 17, 2021}}

=Oakland Athletics=

On September 20, 2021, Feliz was claimed off of waivers by the Oakland Athletics.{{cite news |title=A's Claim Michael Feliz, Designate Aramis Garcia |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/09/athletics-claim-michael-feliz-waivers-red-sox-dfa-aramis-garcia-catcher.html |first=Steve |last=Adams |website=mlbtraderumors.com |date=September 20, 2021 |accessdate=September 20, 2021}} He recorded one out in his lone appearance for Oakland, without allowing a run. Feliz was designated for assignment by Oakland on September 27. On October 1, he was released by the Athletics.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/10/players-recently-electing-free-agency.html|title=Players Recently Electing Free Agency|website=MLB Trade Rumors|author=Anthony Franco|date=October 7, 2021|access-date=October 7, 2021}}

Overall during 2021, Feliz appeared in 21 MLB games for four different teams, posting a 7.20 ERA while recording 22 strikeouts in 20 innings.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/felizmi01.shtml |title=Michael Feliz stats |website=Baseball-Reference.com |accessdate=December 4, 2021}}

=Boston Red Sox (second stint)=

On December 1, 2021, the Red Sox signed Feliz to a minor-league deal, with an invitation to spring training.{{cite news |url=https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/red_sox_re_sign_right_handed_reliever_michael_feliz_to_minor_league_deal_for_2022_season_per_report/s1_16445_36604508 |title=Red Sox re-sign right-handed reliever Michael Feliz to minor-league deal for 2022 season, per report |first=Brendan |last=Campbell |website=yardbarker.com |date=December 1, 2021 |accessdate=December 4, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/roster/transactions/2021/12 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |publisher=Boston Red Sox |date=December 2021 |accessdate=December 4, 2021}} He began the season with Triple-A Worcester and was added to Boston's major league roster on July 7, 2022.{{cite press release |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-red-sox-place-right-handed-pitcher-tyler-danish-on-15-day-injured- |title=Red Sox place right-handed pitcher Tyler Danish on 15-day injured list |publisher=Boston Red Sox |website=MLB.com |date=July 7, 2022 |accessdate=July 8, 2022}} He made one relief appearance for the team and was designated for assignment on July 9.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/roster/transactions/2022/07 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |date=July 2022 |accessdate=July 9, 2022}} Feliz then declined a minor-league assignment, electing to become a free agent.{{cite news |url=https://nesn.com/2022/07/recently-dfad-red-sox-reliever-elects-free-agency-over-demotion/ |title=Recently DFA'd Red Sox Reliever Elects Free Agency Over Demotion |first=Scott |last=Neville |website=NESN |date=July 13, 2022 |accessdate=July 13, 2022}}

=Minnesota Twins=

On July 23, 2022, Feliz signed a minor-league contract with the Minnesota Twins.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/twins-michael-feliz-signs-minor-league-contract/ |title=Twins' Michael Feliz: Signs minor-league contract |website=CBS Sports |date=July 23, 2022 |accessdate=July 23, 2022}} He was released by the Twins organization on August 23.{{Cite web|title=Michael Feliz: Let go by Minnesota|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/michael-feliz-let-go-by-minnesota/|access-date=June 13, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=24 August 2022 |language=en}} Feliz re–signed with the Twins organization on a new minor league contract on August 25.{{Cite web|title=Michael Feliz Stats, Fantasy & News|url=https://www.milb.com/player/michael-feliz-593140|access-date=June 13, 2023|website=milb.com|language=en}} Feliz made 18 appearances for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, logging a 3–1 record and 2.19 ERA with 24 strikeouts in {{fraction|24|2|3}} innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 10.{{Cite web|title=2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=June 12, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=13 November 2022 |language=en}}

=Leones de Yucatán=

On February 27, 2023, Feliz signed with the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/leones-refuerzo-de-grandes-ligas-a-los-campeones | title=Leones: Refuerzo de Grandes Ligas a los campeones }} In 9 appearances, he registered a 1–1 record with a 1.08 ERA and 2 saves over {{fraction|8|1|3}} innings. He was released on May 12, in order to pursue an opportunity with an affiliated organization.{{cite web|url=https://www.leones.mx/es-oficial-la-flecha-aterriza-en-yucatan/|title=ES OFICIAL ¡LA FLECHA ATERRIZA EN YUCATÁN!|work=leones.mx|date=12 May 2023 |language=Spanish|access-date=May 12, 2023}}

=New York Yankees=

On May 18, 2023, Feliz signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees organization.{{Cite tweet|user=leonesdeyucatan|number=1659288220733960211|title=¡MUCHO ÉXITO FELIZ!🙏🙌⚾️ En nombre de toda nuestra manada, queremos desearle el mayor de los éxitos a @laflechaazuana quien firmó contrato con New York Yankees, recordándole que Yucatán siempre será su casa 🫡🫶 ¡Qué los éxitos se sigan cumpliendo! 🦁 #VíveloComoCampeón⭐️|date=May 18, 2023|language=es|access-date=May 19, 2023}} In 13 games for the Triple–A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, he registered a 3.38 ERA with 15 strikeouts and 1 save in {{fraction|13|1|3}} innings pitched. On July 24, Feliz was released by the Yankees to sign with a team in Japan.{{Cite web|title=Michael Feliz: Headed overseas|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/michael-feliz-headed-overseas/amp/|access-date=July 24, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

=Chunichi Dragons=

On July 24, 2023, following his release from the Yankees, Feliz signed with the Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).{{Cite web|title=Yankees pitcher gets his release to play in Japan|url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2023/07/yankees-pitcher-gets-his-release-to-play-in-japan.html?outputType=amp|access-date=July 24, 2023|website=nj.com| date=24 July 2023 |language=en}} In 19 games for the team, he compiled a 3.14 ERA with 16 strikeouts across {{fraction|14|1|3}} innings pitched. On October 26, 2024, the Dragons announced they would not bring Feliz back for the 2025 season, making him a free agent.https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/a95a1f250f2907d536761f5ccbe2f6cebfdecbd0?source=sns&dv=pc&mid=other&date=20241029&ctg=spo&bt=tw_up

=Leones de Yucatán (second stint)=

On March 4, 2025, Feliz signed with the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|url=https://x.com/beisbolpuro/status/1897068265454944651?s=46&t=UN5XGiNzRq3-vt33N7zCTw|title=x.com}}{{Cite web|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 24 de marzo de 2025|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-24-de-marzo-de-2025|access-date=March 25, 2025|website=milb.com|language=en}}