"Kris Benson proved he is a man of his word, while also proving he can be an effective starter in the major leagues again.

The right-hander was informed Wednesday morning that he will be a member of the Rangers starting rotation when the regular season opens Monday, and the rest of the pitching staff has also fallen into place.

Scott Feldman, who was the Rangers' most dependable starter last year, has been sent to the bullpen. Jason Jennings was also told he will be one of seven relievers this season.

"Benson did good enough in the spring to be one of the starters, and Feldman makes us a better team going down there with better stuff than he had before," manager Ron Washington said.

Benson had his sights set on a starting spot when the Rangers signed him to a minor league contract Feb. 21. He was 2-0 this spring with a 4.76 ERA in 17 innings, and he likely clinched the spot Monday with six strong innings against the San Francisco Giants.

The right-hander, who had a torn rotator cuff repaired during spring training two years ago, hasn't pitched in the majors since 2006. He made 13 starts in the minor leagues last year.

Feldman started 25 games for the Rangers in 2008, and many within the organization thought he had earned a chance to start in the rotation.

But he might have been his own worst enemy. The pitches he added and fine-tuned this spring to make him a better starter have also made him more valuable as a reliever, Washington said.

Feldman will be one of three relievers who can throw multiple innings, along with Jennings and Josh Rupe. Jennings showed within the last week that he can be a capable reliever after undergoing elbow surgery in each of the last two seasons. Frank Francisco, C.J. Wilson, Eddie Guardado and Warner Madrigal will likely be used for one inning. Dustin Nippert (back muscle) and Willie Eyre (groin) are expected to start the season on the 15-day disabled list.

"The way the competition was, right now we're leaving out of here with the best 12 we've got," Washington said. "It's a big turnaround. We're talking about experience now.""