Jose Leclerc starts rehab assignment Sunday

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jose Leclerc is slated to go on a rehab assignment for AA Frisco beginning Sunday, per the beat guys on Twitter. Leclerc is reportedly expected to make at least two appearances before being considered for a return to the active roster.

Leclerc was a revelation early in the season, being one of the team’s best relievers before a bone bruise on his finger limited him, and then landed him on the disabled list. If Leclerc shows he’s good to go after a couple of rehab appearances, he could be back in the Ranger pen late next week.

The Rangers’ bullpen has been a mess lately, as only Matt Bush, Keone Kela and Alex Claudio have been pitching well of late. Sam Dyson has struggled all year, Jeremy Jeffress isn’t pitching well, and Tony Barnette has been not as sharp as last year. Leclerc returning and being close to where he was at the start of the year would be a big boost to the bullpen, and help solidify the late-inning situation. The Rangers would likely have to decide between sending down Dario Alvarez or Austin Bibens-Dirkx to make room for Leclerc, unless they wanted to try to stash Dyson or Jeffress on the d.l.

Meanwhile, Adrian Beltre had 6 ABs and played third base in an extended spring game. While there’s nothing definite, signs seem to be pointing towards Beltre returning to the active roster early next week.