Closer Rangers Jose Leclerc is suffering from an elbow pain that will cause the powerful to fail “extended time, ”According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News (Twitter link) and several reporters. Leclerc has already left the Rangers’ spring training camp and went to Texas for additional tests. In news of more unfortunate injuries, left-handed Joely Rodriguez and Brett Martin the season will also start on the injured list, although their absences do not last as long.
With Jonathan Hernandez it had already been at least until the first part of April due to a UCL sprain, Leclerc’s injury represents another long-term blow to the Texas bullpen. Any mention of an elbow problem naturally raises concern about Tommy John’s surgery, which would keep 27-year-old Leclerc out of action until the middle of the 2022 season.
This is the second significant injury in so many years for Leclerc, who shot in just two games last season due to a ruptured right round muscle. His return to action was marked by a late arrival at the camp due to visa problems, and so Leclerc did not have his usual speed over 3 2/3 of the Cactus League exits, which may not be unexpected since he was rebuilding your arm strength.
In spite of everything, Leclerc was the provisional favorite to enter the season as the nearest Texas. He was promoted to the position for the first time in 2018, during a season in which Leclerc posted 1.56 ERA / 2.60 SIERA and an incredible 38.1 K% (eighth largest baseball pitcher with at least 50 IP) at 57 2 / 3 frames outside the Rangers bullpen. Its performance took a step back in 2019, partly due to the increase in walks and a large decrease in the hit of the hitting ball (a .306 BABIP in 2019, as opposed to a .211 BABIP in 2018), but it should be noted that the most of Leclerc’s struggles that year were contained until the month of April.
Prior to this 2019 season, Leclerc signed a contract extension that paid him $ 14.75 million guaranteed until the 2022 season, with Rangers holding club options in their services for 2023 ($ 6 million, $ 750,000 purchase) and 2024 ($ 6.25 million, $ 500 Acquisition K). Although it is not a big financial investment, this extension will end up looking like a kind of bankruptcy for Texas, in case the worst happens and Leclerc demands TJ’s surgery.
Rodriguez (ankle sprain) and Martin (back) have not yet launched during spring training, but the two southpaws may end up spending a relatively short time at IL, perhaps even a minimum absence of 10 days. Your returns will be very well received by a Rangers bullpen that is now suddenly without arms. It remains to be seen who will be the first choice to defend with Leclerc and Hernandez out, and the role may fall for minor league signings Ian Kennedy or Matt Bush.