Rangers invite six minor-leaguers to spring training

The Rangers have invited six minor-league players to major league spring training: pitchers Neftali Feliz and Derek Holland, infielders Elvis Andrus and Justin Smoak, and catchers Manny Pina and Kevin Richardson.

 

Feliz was 10-6 with a 2.69 ERA at Low A Clinton and Double A Frisco last season. Smoak, the Rangers’ No. 1 pick in the June 2008 draft, batted .353 with two clubs in the Arizona Fall League. 

 

Andrus, expected to be the team’s eventual shortstop this season, batted .295 at Frisco last season. He was second in the Texas League with 54 stolen bases.

 

Pina, 21, and Richardson, 28, both saw brief action for the Rangers in last year’s spring training. 

Richardson

will be in his eighth season in the

Texas

organization, while Pina will be in his fifth.  It is the first invitation to big league camp for both catchers.

 

The first workout for pitchers and catchers is Feb. 15 in Surprise,

Ariz.

The first full squad workout is Feb. 19.