Texas Rangers sign Joe Nathan as closer

ARLINGTON, Texas – Joe Nathan and the Texas Rangers have agreed to a two-year contract with a club option for 2014, a move that means closer Neftali Feliz will shift to the starting rotation.

The two-time defending AL champions announced the moves on Monday.

Nathan, who turns 37 on Tuesday, missed the 2010 season following Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow and struggled to find his form with Minnesota this year. The four-time All-Star went 2-1 with a 4.84 ERA and 14 saves in 48 appearances, losing his job as closer early in the season before reclaiming it later.

The Rangers say they have informed Feliz that he will switch from the bullpen to the rotation, a move that would help offset the loss of free-agent starter C.J. Wilson if he signs elsewhere.