SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Texas Rangers keep stretching out Neftali Feliz, just in case.

The AL Rookie of the Year struck out four in three scoreless innings Wednesday as the Rangers beat the Oakland Athletics 9-2.

Feliz posted 40 saves last year, then came to camp trying to win a spot in the Texas rotation. Earlier this week, he said he’d prefer to stay in his closer role.

“Your heart’s got to be in what you’re going to do,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “If your heart isn’t in it, we’ll have to make that decision down the line.”

Feliz took over in the sixth inning and allowed one hit and walked two. He threw 53 pitches, 30 for strikes, and showed off a sharp slider to add to his curveball and 100-plus MPH fastball.

Feliz was a lifelong starter until his move to the bullpen as a late-season callup to the bullpen in 2009. No matter what his role, pitching coach Mike Maddux said the extended repertoire can only be of benefit.

“When you always have the almighty equalizer in your back pocket, you can use your other stuff and protect it,” Maddux said.

Feliz started to tire in eighth, walking the first two hitters he faced. But he finished in impressive fashion, striking out Josh Horton and Jai Miller to close out his day.

“One of the things he showed last year,” Maddux said, “is he may be a youngster but he’s a man.”

Maddux has asked somewhat rhetorically whether it’s better to have such an effective pitcher for 70 innings or 200-plus. At the same time, he conceded Wednesday that “you’re only as good as your bullpen.”

“It all sounds great right now but come the regular season and we’ve got a lead after 8 1/2, then let’s go win it. He doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be perfect as a closer. You just have to be pretty good and you’ll have the advantage,” he said.

As Feliz and the Rangers mull his ultimate fate, one of his would-be competitors for a spot in the rotation, Derek Holland, posted a stellar outing in his second start.

The left-hander gave up two hits and faced only one hitter over the minimum in his three-inning stint, striking out four.

“I need to show that I belong in that rotation,” Holland said. “I don’t want anything else. I’m trying to get that starting rotation spot. I need to make a couple of statements and today was one.”

Oakland starter Dallas Braden allowed four runs and four hits before recording his first out, though he settled down in the final two innings to finish with five runs — three earned.

Braden, 11-14 with a 3.50 ERA in 30 starts last year, said his approach will certainly be different once the season begins.

“If it’s that way in April, then we have a problem.”

David DeJesus and Landon Powell each hit their first home runs of the spring for the Athletics.

NOTES: A’s OF Ryan Sweeney made his spring debut and got two hits. … Michael Young and Yorvit Torrealba each had RBI doubles in the Rangers’ fix-run first. … Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler singled to lead off the game and extend his hitting streak to seven games. … Rangers RHP Brandon Webb threw 62 pitches in his first live batting practice session of the spring. … Oakland 1B Daric Barton didn’t make the trip with a bruised calf but is expected to play Thursday. … Oakland RHP Craig Breslow is day-to-day with a strained left hamstring and will not pitch on Thursday as originally scheduled.

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Texas Rangers pitcher Neftali Feliz said Monday that his preference is to close in 2011, but added that he is happy to start if that’s what the club needs.

“I’ve done it before,” Feliz said, through a translator, of closing. “I did it in the past and I’m comfortable in that role. I know what it takes and know the preparation.”

The 22-year-old had 40 saves in 2010 and was the AL Rookie of the Year. He is working in spring training as a starter, something that could be in his long-term plans.

Feliz said he hasn’t told the club of his preference because he believes he can start and wants to do what is best for the club.

“I don’t feel uncomfortable starting and figuring out that routine,” Feliz said. “I know I can do both. I’ll just get into the routine of starting and go from there.”

Feliz took a line drive off the left shin on Sunday, but said he’s just bruised and is scheduled to make his Wednesday start. He will toss from about 90 feet on Monday, but won’t run.

“If I end up starting, I’ll go all out,” Feliz said. “I won’t do anything differently and just try to get outs.”

Feliz was 4-3 with a 2.73 ERA to go along with his 40 saves. His triple-digit fastball helped him amass 71 strikeouts in 69 1/3 innings with 18 walks. He’s working on his secondary pitches this spring, so that he’s not just reliant on his extremely fast fastball or the slider.

Richard Durrett covers the Rangers for ESPNDallas.com.

Follow Richard Durrett on Twitter: @espn_durrett

SURPRISE, Ariz. February 23, 2011 (AP)

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Michael Young is leaving the Texas Rangers — for a couple of days, anyway.

The team said Wednesday that the veteran infielder will leave spring training camp to attend to unspecified “family matters.” He is scheduled to return to camp with the AL champions on Saturday.

“He’s got a family thing he’s got to attend to,” manager Ron Washington said. “He’s ready to go. He’ll take care of that, come back and play some baseball.”

Young, who practiced Wednesday morning, wouldn’t discuss details with reporters, saying only: “Everything’s great.”

Young requested a trade last month after the team signed Adrian Beltre to a six-year, $96 million free-agent contract. The team did not make any deals and he reported to camp on time, saying he was focused on the upcoming season.

Young is the longest-tenured Ranger, going into his 11th season, as well as the team’s career hits leader and a six-time All-Star (five times at shortstop, once at third).

He moved to shortstop before the 2004 season after Alex Rodriguez was traded, then was switched to third base two years ago when the Rangers decided to promote Elvis Andrus from the minors.

He is now expected to be the team’s primary designated hitter and utility infielder with Beltre taking over at third.

Washington said Beltre has started testing his strained right calf on a treadmill. Beltre has been hitting and fielding in full-squad workouts but had been held out of running drills due to the mild strain.

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Rangers designated hitter and super-utility infielder Michael Young will miss workouts Thursday and Friday as he deals with some family matters. He is expected to return to camp on Saturday.

Young was out on the field early on Wednesday working at first base and was also participating in the workouts.

“He’s got a family thing he’s got to attend to,” manager Ron Washington said. “He’s ready to go. He’ll take care of that, come back and play some baseball.”

Young wouldn’t discuss details with reporters, saying only: “Everything’s great.”

Young requested a trade last month after the team signed Adrian Beltre to a six-year, $96 million free-agent contract. The team did not make any deals and he reported to camp on time, saying he was focused on the upcoming season.

Young is the longest-tenured Ranger, going into his 11th season, as well as the team’s career hits leader and a six-time All-Star (five times at shortstop, once at third).

Beltre ran on a treadmill on Wednesday as he and the club continue to monitor his mild calf strain. He isn’t running on the field, but is taking ground balls and hitting. Washington isn’t sure if Beltre will play in the exhibition opener on Sunday, but isn’t concerned if he doesn’t.

Richard Durrett covers the Rangers for ESPNDallas.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Follow Richard Durrett on Twitter: @espn_durrett

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Michael Young is leaving Texas Rangers camp for two days this week to attend to what the team is calling “family matters.”

Young worked out at first base Wednesday and joined the team for the regular morning workout. He is scheduled to return to spring training in Arizona on Saturday.

Young requested a trade last month after the team signed Adrian Beltre to a six-year, $96 million free-agent contract. The veteran infielder is going to serve as the Rangers’ designated hitter and utility infielder.

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