Jose Leclerc to i.l. with shoulder injury

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jose Leclerc has been diagnosed with a strained teres major muscle in his right shoulder. That is the same muscle Corey Kluber injured, and Leclerc, like Kluber, will miss significant time — potentially the rest of 2020.

This is obviously a blow to the Rangers bullpen, as Leclerc is the team’s closer. Leclerc was warming up yesterday in preparation for entering the game in the ninth when he sat back down due to the shoulder tightness. Nick Goody entered the game instead and picked up his first major league save, though it is unclear at this point who will take over closer duties in Leclerc’s place.

Greg Bird is reportedly being added to the active roster tomorrow, and so Leclerc will presumably be moved to the 45 day injured list to open up a spot for him on the 40 man roster. Ronald Guzman is going to be sent down. With Leclerc on the shelf, the Rangers will likely either activate Joely Rodriguez from the injured list or, if he is not ready yet, possibly called up Demarcus Evans as a bullpen arm until Rodriguez is ready.

In addition, Ronny Henriquez and Jason Bahr have been added to the 60 man pool. The two righthanded starting pitchers are not expected to see major league action this season, though Bahr is Rule 5 eligible after 2020, and thus could end up getting a look at some point, since he will have to be added to the 40 man roster this offseason anyway. The two are apparently part of the pool to get work in.

UPDATE — Leclerc has officially been placed on the 45 day injured list, opening up a 40 man roster spot, and Guzman has been officially optioned, the team has announced. The moves adding guys to the active roster in their place will be announced tomorrow.