Jose Leclerc Yields Two Runs, Loses Closing Gig
12 months agoTexas Rangers relief pitcher Jose Leclerc surrendered two runs in one-third of an inning during Wednesday's defeat to the Diamondbacks. Leclerc already relinquished what remained of his closer's mantle prior to this setback, when manager Bruce Bochy made it official that William Smith would see the bulk of the ninth-inning work going forward. It was thought to be a committee with the left-handed Smith based on matchups, but the writing has been on the wall for this development all season. Leclerc's fastball velocity is down to a career-low speed, and a lack of control (1.40 WHIP) has led to his demotion. The righty should be in the mix for holds, but those wanting saves should search elsewhere at this time until he gets right.
Source: Evan Grant
Source: Evan Grant