Pirates Claim Jack Leathersich Off Waivers

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 13: Ray Searage
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 13: Ray Searage /
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The Pittsburgh Pirates added a left-handed reliever to their organization on Monday afternoon

After the Chicago Cubs designated Jack Leathersich for assignment he quickly has found a new home. On Monday afternoon, the Pirates claimed the left-handed reliever off of waivers. Leathersich was then optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Jack Leathersich will help the Indianapolis Indians in their pursuit of an International League Championship. After their season ends, there is a good chance that Leathersich will be promoted to the Major Leagues.

This season, Jack Leathersich has made 41 appearances for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. In 44 1/3 innings pitched he allowed just 25 hits and three home runs for the Iowa Cubs. He owns a 2.84 ERA, 3.58 FIP, a 3.88 xFIP, and he owned a whopping 72 strikeouts giving him an average of 14.62 K/9.

He has also made one appearance for the Cubs this season. He recorded two outs, allowed two runs, walked four, and struck out a batter in this appearance.

The 27-year-old Leathersich pitched 11 2/3 Major League innings for the New York Mets in 2015. He allowed 12 hits, walked seven, and struck out 22 in these 11 2/3 innings pitched.

As you may have picked up on by now, Jack Leathersich is a pitcher with serious control issues. However, he does not allow very many hits and gets a lot of strikeouts. If Ray Searage can help him fix his control then he will become a very intriguing bullpen option for the Pirates. It is time for Uncle Ray to work his magic yet again.

Entering the 2018 season the Pirates are in need of left-handed relief options. Odds are, Jack Leatehrsich will be given every opportunity this coming spring to earn a spot in the 2018 Opening Day bullpen.

Next: Bucs Prepare for Final Series of the Season vs the Cubs

Neal Huntington has already said that when the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians’ playoff run comes to an end that Tyler Glasnow and Edgar Santana will be joining the Pittsburgh Pirates. Do not be surprised if Jack Leathersich joins them as well after the being claimed off waivers by the Pirates this afternoon.