SURPRISE, Ariz. – Items of intrigue from a very interesting day in Rangers camp:
1. “He looked more like a starter to me today than any other time,” Nolan Ryan said after watching Neftali Feliz mix four pitches and fight out of trouble while allowing two runs in five innings against the Mariners.
2. But the bullpen keeps looking like a bigger problem. Darren O’Day gave up four runs on three homers to bump his ERA up to 10.29 this spring.
3. Tommy Hunter cruised through five innings in a Triple-A game, allowing one run.
4. RHP Eric Hurley was sent down to Triple-A, but the Rangers are extremely encouraged by his progress after a two-year layoff due to shoulder surgery.
5. The Rangers won’t grant Brandon Webb’s wish of pitching in a B or minors game in his next outing. He’ll pitch live BP again Monday in a session that might be turned into a simulated game.
6. David Murphy hopes to get a chance to prove he can play center field. However, it’s much more likely that he’ll be the starting left fielder with Josh Hamilton moving back to center. The Rangers’ hope remains that Julio Borbon gets it together defensively and starts in center.