Arlington, Texas -- The Texas Rangers announced prior to Saturday's game that the club has recalled right-handed pitcher José Leclerc from Triple-A Round Rock. To make room for Leclerc on the active roster, the team has optioned outfielder Ryan Rua to Round Rock.
Leclerc, 24, will be in his second stint with the Rangers this season. He had no record and 3.0 scoreless innings spanning 3 appearances during his first stint with Texas from Opening Day to April 4. He has entered mid-inning with runners on base in all 3 outings with Texas in 2018, last appearing on April 4 at Oakland, and he has stranded 5 of 6 inherited runners. In 11 career March/April outings, Leclerc owns a 0.69 ERA (1 ER/13.0 IP) with 2 walks and 19 strikeouts.
Since being optioned to Round Rock on April 5, Leclerc has posted a 0-1 record with one save and a 7.71 ERA (4 ER/4.2 IP) over 4 relief appearances for the Express. Triple-A opponents batted just .176 (3-17) with 5 walks and 9 strikeouts. Each of Leclerc's 4 runs allowed, along with 4 of his 5 walks, came in a single outing. He last pitched on Wednesday vs. Oklahoma City, throwing 17 pitches in 1.0 scoreless inning. Rua has batted .178 (8-45) with one home run and 3 RBI in 16 games spanning 2 stints with Texas this season: Opening Day-April 15 and April 17-20.
Following these transactions, the Rangers still have a full 40-man roster along with 5 players on the 60-day disabled list.