MARCH 26: LeBlanc has rejoined the Orioles on a split contract that comes with a $700K salary if he makes the majors, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets.
MARCH 25: Left-hander Wade LeBlanc has opted out of the minor league contract he signed with the Orioles in February, per Dan Connolly of The Athletic. He’s now a free agent, though Connolly notes that a return to the Orioles isn’t out of the question.
The well-traveled LeBlanc, 36, spent last season in the Baltimore, where he endured immense struggles. LeBlanc finished the year with six starts and 22 1/3 innings of 8.06 ERA/5.77 SIERA pitching, and he managed a paltry 4.9 strikeout-walk percentage along the way. He fared decently this spring with eight innings of two-run, three-hit ball and seven strikeouts, though he did walk five hitters.
LeBlanc was one of a few experienced starters the O’s signed to minors deals during the offseason, when they also inked Matt Harvey and Felix Hernandez to minors deals. Harvey earned a roster spot Thursday, while Hernandez’s status is uncertain as he recovers from elbow discomfort.
So much for that heartfelt speech he gave where he wanted to help the Orioles in 2021. Since they gave him another chance after his crappy 2020.
LeBlanc pitched well this spring 2.25 ERA in 8 innings. It was the Orioles who decided he wasn’t going to be on the Opening Day roster and gave him his release. Let him check the market to see if there is interest. 50/50 he winds up in the Orioles minor league camp
so much for the Orioles giving the better option the OD start (talking to you “Dark Knight”)
TWIST: while most of these minor league opt out players are trying to get on another major league roster, he’s just looking for a better minor league roster at this point
There goes the pennant.
The Orioles are my team and that will not change. However keeping Harvey over Leblanc is puzzling. I know neither is a great option but Leblanc pitched well this spring and I thought he would be a plus coming out of the bullpen instead of starting.
Harvey has pitched okay sometimes this Spring but I don’t think he is a starter anymore. More of a bullpen option. But with Kramer and Akin and Means struggling so far I can see the reasoning behind their decision.
Still think Leblanc will be back though.
Cgoss, in my opinion Leblanc is a very sketchy starter because some teams blow up his slow speed and all he’s got is the change and curve in memory of what he can do.. So if they’re giving a former CY young candidate the opportunity over Leblanc I think they’re at least trying. Good spring or not Leblanc is not consistent idc about him having past good years personally.
I agree with your comment but looking at Harvey stats from last year(era over 8) I just think it will get even worse in the AL east. Plus I don’t think either was a good choice. I know if Harvey finds some magic they can get another prospect
Cgoss I don’t think you follow the Orioles very closely…
Watch them on tv when they are on. Why do you say that
lemme guess, Matt Harvey’s burner?
LeBlanc, or The White in English, throws 70 mph fastballs. You can’t pitch in the east throwing 60 mph fastballs. Gleyber Torres will knock the windows out of the Hilton hotel against his 50 mph fastballs. And I don’t wanna hear nothin about Tommy Milone’s 30 days of success with his 40 mph fastballs.
It’s re-arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Harvey, King Felix, and Leblanc are washed up placeholders. Hopefully, by late this season or early 2022 you’ll forget they were ever on the team with their young, emerging pitchers.
Harvey is throwing 95 this spring, I wish other Orioles pitchers were washed up like that
Every once awhile he is hitting 95. Mostly 90 to 93. Check out the Orioles on mlb.com and you can read the article yourself. Oh by the way the Orioles are loosing to the Pirates 2 to zip right now. So yes I do wa I watch and I do follow the Orioles.
Can throw 95 yet post an ERA of 8, yeah I’d say he’s washed up.
He’s crafty and belongs on a squad! Not a sexy fastball but the guy can locate and when he’s on give you some surpringly quality innings.
He had a 2.25 era because opposing hitters were swinging too early. ST is for getting that timing down.
Orioles rotation is a mess. Sorry Felix…