D-backs have interest in Rangers relievers Keone Kela, Jose Leclerc
Jul 25, 2018, 2:03 PM | Updated: 3:28 pm
Jose LeClerc, left, and Keone Kela, right, of the Texas Rangers. (AP photos)
(AP photos)
Eyeing options to improve their bullpen for a playoff push, the Arizona Diamondbacks are “kicking around several names,” including Texas Rangers relievers Keone Kela and Jose LeClerc, 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro confirmed on Wednesday.
MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported Tuesday that Arizona had “shown interest” in the two bullpen arms.
Those two could still be in the conversation despite the Diamondbacks acquiring reliever Matt Andriese from the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.
Arizona may not be finished, still looking for more bullpen help.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 25, 2018
Kela, a 25-year-old right-hander, has 23 saves in 37 appearances this season. He has struck out 43, allowed 27 hits and walked 12 batters in 35.2 innings, allowing 13 runs for a 3.28 ERA and 1.09 WHIP.
The 24-year-old Leclerc, who is also right-handed, has 12 holds and three blown saves in 37 appearances. He has allowed 18 hits and eight earned runs with 52 strikeouts and 18 walks in 35.2 frames. He holds a 2.02 ERA and 1.01 WHIP this season.
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Diamondbacks assistant general manager Jared Porter told Doug & Wolf on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station Wednesday that the team is not feeling the need to pursue any trades. A deal, he added, would likely be to acquire an impact player.
“I think it’s going to be kind of opportunistic,” Porter said. Do we think someone can really impact our team? Not necessarily marginal, but can someone really impact our team?”
