Leclerc pressed into relief duty after callup

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers reinforced their bullpen by calling up José Leclerc from Triple-A Round Rock before Saturday night's game against the Mariners. In a corresponding move, outfielder Ryan Rua was optioned to Round Rock.
Leclerc was used right away, pitching two scoreless innings in the 9-7 loss. He retired all six batters he faced, striking out two.
This is Leclerc's second tour with the Rangers. He was on the Opening Day roster and pitched three scoreless innings over three games before being optioned on April 5. He pitched 4 2/3 innings at Round Rock, allowing four runs on three hits, five walks and nine strikeouts. Opponents were 3-for-17 off him.
Rua was optioned to Round Rock on Monday, but he was given a temporary reprieve the following day when reliever Tony Barnette went on the disabled list. Rua is hitting .178 with one home run and three RBIs.
Leclerc may have another short stay with the Rangers as outfielder Delino DeShields is getting ready to come off the disabled list. Barnette is also eligible to be activated on Wednesday.