April 10, 2024
Texas Rangers right-handed reliever
Jose Leclerc blew the save against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday when he gave up a two-run home run to catcher
Shea Langeliers, his third home run of the game. Leclerc has now allowed at least one run in four of his first five outings so far this year. "He's healthy, he's fine," manager Bruce Bochy said. Texas' bullpen was a glaring weakness last year despite winning the World Series, but the skipper isn't panicking just yet in 2024. "These guys, with what they've done, no, I don't have concern. You stay behind them. They're human, they're gonna make some mistakes. That's a part of the game, but no. … Now, it's too early to be concerned." Leclerc remains the team's closer for now, but he's on the hot seat early on and could be replaced by
David Robertson or
Kirby Yates if his early season struggles persist.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
April 1, 2024
Texas Rangers relief pitcher
Jose Leclerc got demolished on Sunday, leading to a 9-5 loss at the hands of the Chicago Cubs. Leclerc entered into a 5-5 game in the ninth, but things unraveled for him quickly. He walked three and allowed a hit before being pulled. All four of those runners ended up scoring, making for an ugly final line. Leclerc has now given up five runs and walked five in 1 ⅓ IP this year. If he continues to struggle, the Rangers could opt to go with
David Robertson as their closer or use a committee. It might not take many more bad appearances, so Leclerc owners should be looking for backup options in case the struggles continue.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
March 17, 2024
Texas Rangers relief pitcher
Jose Leclerc has a strong possibility of opening the regular season as the team's closer, according to manager Bruce Bochy. The 30-year-old ended last season as the closer and appears in a good spot to keep that role. Last season, Leclerc finished with a 2.68 ERA, 2.14 WHIP, and 67 strikeouts in 57 games with the Rangers. It's worth noting that veteran right-hander
David Robertson could be in the mix as well. However, Leclerc looks locked in for a majority of the save chances in Texas right now. He should be at least a top-20 closing option heading into the regular season.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Evan Grant
March 8, 2024
Texas Rangers reliever
Jose Leclerc tossed his second straight solid outing Friday versus the Kansas City Royals. The right-hander tossed a scoreless, hitless inning with two strikeouts, tossing his second straight scoreless frame in the process. Leclerc allowed two earned runs on three hits, including a homer, in just 1/3 of an inning in his spring debut on Feb. 29 but has bounced back nicely since. The 30-year-old was excellent for the second straight season in 2023, tossing a 2.68 ERA in 57 outings but he also walked 12% of the hitters he faced. He is the projected Rangers closer to open the season following the offseason departure of
Will Smith. However, he won't have a long leash as the club added
David Robertson this offseason while
Josh Sborz and
Kirby Yates could also be in the mix if Leclerc struggles out of the gate. He is a worthwhile investment with a 195.3 ADP but he is far from a sure thing.
--Brenton KempSource: MLB.com
RADIO
