Jose Leclerc Not Locked Into Closer Role
6 years agoTexas Rangers new manager Chris Woodward said that relief pitcher Jose Leclerc isn't locked into the closer role heading into the 2019 season. Woodward likes Leclerc's ability to pitch multiple innings in high-leverage situations instead of solely the ninth inning. The right-hander was one of the most dominant relief pitchers last year, striking out 85 in 57 2/3 innings with just one homer allowed and a .126 average against. He also recorded 12 saves in 59 outings. With Matt Bush likely out at least half the season, there are no better options for the ninth-inning role than Leclerc, though, so we still see him as the favorite for most of the saves next year. However, with his role being unsettled on a rebuilding club, he'll be a low-end fantasy target for saves.
Source: ESPN.com - David Schoenfield
Source: ESPN.com - David Schoenfield