Jack

Leathersich

Leathersich will not get a spring training invitation with the contract. The 28-year-old southpaw has logged only 16 2/3 innings at the big league level in his career, and only five of those innings have come since 2015. He’ll add minor league bullpen depth for the Rangers.

Leathersich, a fifth-round selection from the 2011 draft, posted a 3.00 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 113/32 K/BB ratio over 72 innings in Single-A last season. His strikeout ability and success against lefties could make him an attractive option as a left-handed specialist out of the New York ‘pen.

The 26-year-old southpaw spent the 2016 season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, compiling a 1.93 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 34/13 K/BB ratio over 23 1/3 innings across three minor league levels. He should open the 2017 season at Triple-A Iowa.

The left-hander is on the outside looking in for a spot in the club’s Opening Day bullpen and any missed time at this stage isn’t going to help his cause. Expect him to resume throwing in another couple of days.

Duane Underwood was also part of this round of cuts from Cubs camp. Leathersich has been sidelined for the past few days due to tightness in his chest. He wasn’t in the running for an Opening Day roster spot anyway.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Leonys Martin who joined the club on Saturday. Leathersich owns a 2.84 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 72/28 K/BB ratio in 44 1/3 innings at Triple-A Iowa. He could attract interest on waivers.

Leathersich made one appearance for the Cubs in July and had a 2.84 ERA with 72 strikeouts and 28 walks over 44 1/3 innings with Triple-A Iowa this seson. The 27-year-old southpaw could be a useful bullpen piece for Pittsburgh.

Leathersich was knocked around in his lone appearance in the majors this season back in July when he was with the Cubs. He’ll be used in a mop-up role.

Leathersich, who previously pitched in the majors with the Mets, had a 4.56 ERA and 42/18 K/BB ratio over 25 2/3 innings in Triple-A. The 26-year-old southpaw will pitch in middle relief.

Leathersich was knocked around for two runs on a hit and four walks over two-thirds of an inning Thursday in his lone appearance with the Cubs. Dylan Floro is taking his spot in the bullpen.